One of the most senior Biju Janata Dal leaders and former cabinet minister of Odisha, Ved Prakash Agarwal, died On Saturday after a prolonged illness. He was elected to the assembly six times and was the candidate for the ongoing assembly seat of Patakura in Kendrapada. Agarwal had remained a minister even in the late Biju Patnaik-led Janata Dal government in Odisha.
As per the guidelines of the Election Commission, the polling in Patakura assembly seat shall remain suspended till the next notification. As per rules in the event of the death of a candidate before the polling the election remains postponed temporarily.
Agarwal’s vast political career has left indelible footprints in that area and in the state. He was one of the most capable finance ministers of the state.
