Leaders mourn Kalpataru

BHUBANESWAR/KENDRAPADA: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday mourned the demise of Rajya Sabha member Kalpataru Das. In his condolence message, Naveen described Das as a good Parliamentarian and strong organizer. "Odisha lost a great politician over his demise. He played a crucial role in strengthening the BJD in the state," Naveen said.
Union tribal affairs minister Jual Oram said Das' death created a political vacuum in the state."May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to the bereaved family," Union oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan tweeted.
State Congress president Prasad Harichandan, leader of opposition Narasingha Mishra and state BJP president K V Singhdeo mourned Das. A pall of gloom descended on Dharmasala and its nearby areas