Octogenarian freedom fighter dies in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR - Rajkishore Nayak, a freedom fighter and Gandhian leader who was elected to the Orissa legislative assembly twice, died here Monday in a hospital after prolonged illness, a family member said. He was 86.

Nayak was elected to the state legislative assembly from Patakura assembly constituency in Kendrapara district first in 1971 and again in 1974.

He is survived by four daughters and two sons. His youngest son Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak is the state’s energy minister.

“Nayak served as an MLA (member of legislative assembly) twice and led a Gandhian way of life,” Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said in his condolence message.

Nayak’s last rite would be performed at his native village Arilo in Kendrapara district later in the day.