President Droupadi Murmu has expressed grief over the demise of senior Biju Janata Dal (BDJ) leader and former Odisha state government minister Damodar Rout today. In a social media post, President Murmu said, Mr Rout’s contribution to the progress of Odisha and the country will always be remembered. She offered her condolences to the BJD veteran’s family and followers.

Damodar Rout had been in a critical state for the past few days after suffering a heart attack earlier this month. He was 82 years old.