Rich tributes paid to Ashok Das on his death anniversary

By A K Rout

Odisha/Jajpur, Dec. 29: The 14th death anniversary of former Jajpur MLA Ashok Das was observed in the district on Thursday. Memorial meetings were held in various parts of the district and tributes were paid to the strongman, who was the right hand of the legendary Biju Patnaik.

A mega blood donation camp was organised, which was inaugurated by his son and incumbent Jajpur MLA Pranab Prakash Das.

Mr Das encouraged the blood donors. He also distributed fruits and biscuits to patients in the District Headquarters Hospital. Blankets were distributed to the needy by the Ashok Das Foundation.

Writer Taraprasad Mishra paid tribute to Ashok Das. He said Ashok dedicated his life for selfless public service of the people of Odisha. Ashok Das joined the Jay Prakash Movement in 1974 and was a political prisoner under MISA.

He was a member of Swatantra Party, Utkal Congress, Janata Party (Secular), Janata Dal and Biju Janata Dal. He was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly from Korei in 1974, 1977, 1990, 1995 and 2000. He was Leader of Opposition in Odisha Legislative Assembly from 1996 to 1997 post death of Biju Babu.