Odisha Assembly adjourned as 7-time MLA Pradeep Maharathy dies at 65

BHUBANESWAR: Biju Janata Dal MLA Pradeep Maharathy died at a private hospital here early on Sunday, family sources said. He was 65. The seven-time MLA from Pipili in Puri district is survived by wife Prativa, son Rudra Pratap and daughter Pallavi. Maharathy, who had tested positive for COVID-19 on September 14, was discharged from the hospital after recovery but was admitted again as his condition became critical. He was on ventilator support since Friday. The Odisha Assembly was adjourned for the day after members observed a minute of silence in memory of Maharathy. The veteran politician started his career as a student leader at SCS College in Puri.