Bhubaneswar, Mar 21 – Devendra Sharma, a prominent Congress leader and former MLA from Odisha, passed away on Friday evening at a private hospital, according to family sources. He was 66 years old and had been battling cancer, undergoing treatment for several days prior to his death.

The news of Sharma’s passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from various political figures, including Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and state Congress president Bhakta Charan Das. Both leaders expressed their sorrow over the loss of a dedicated public servant.

Sharma was elected to the Odisha Assembly representing the Aul constituency in Kendrapara district in 2014 but faced defeat in the 2019 elections. He also held the position of president of the Kendrapara district Congress committee, where he was known for his commitment to the party and the community.

In a heartfelt tribute, Chief Minister Majhi remarked, “He (Sharma) will always be remembered for his welfare works and service as a public representative. I pray for the eternal peace of his soul and express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Om Shanti.”

Similarly, Bhakta Charan Das conveyed his condolences, stating, “Devendra Babu was a senior member of our Congress family. His demise has cast a shadow of grief not only in Kendrapara but also across the entire state of Odisha, particularly within the Congress community.” He highlighted Sharma’s long-standing dedication to the party and emphasized that his passing represents an irreparable loss to the political landscape of Odisha.