Bhubaneswar, Apr 12 (Reporter) Former Minister and three time MLA from Bhograi Assembly seat in Odisha Dr.Kamala Das passed away on Friday following a protracted illness. She was 79. Family source said Das was admitted to a private hospital in Cuttack with infection in the lungs and breathed her last while undergoing treatment. A doctor by profession, Kamala Das entered into electoral politics and was elected to Odisha Assembly thrice consecutively from Bhograi Assembly Constituency. She was first elected to the Odisha Assembly in 1990 and 1995 on a Janata Dal ticket and as Biju Janata Dal candidate in the 2000 Assembly election. Das had served as Minister in both Biju Patnaik and Naveen Patnaik governments and held the portfolios of Education and Youth Services, Health and Family Welfare and Women and Child Development. In 2001 she was sacked from the Ministry by the then Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on the charges of shadow of corruption. She however later quit the BJD and joined the Congress and again returned to the BJD in 2014. President Droupadi Murmu and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and leaders from various other political parties have expressed their profound grief at the passing away of Das. Murmu in a post on X said “Saddened by the demise of senior political leader Dr. Kamala Das, who served as Minister in Odisha Government”. In her long public career, she continuously worked for the progress of Odisha and its people,the President said while extending her heartfelt condolences to her family members and followers. Patnaik taking to X handle said “I am deeply saddened to know about the sad demise of former MLA and Minister Dr. Kamala Das”. Her work in the field of public service will always be remembered. May her immortal soul rest in peace! I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members,” the CM tweeted...////...