Sonia Gandhi condoles death of former Odisha CM J B Patnaik

NEW DELHI: Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi today condoled the death of former Odisha Chief Minister J B Patnaik, saying his life was spent in the service of the people.

"Having served as the Chief Minister of Odisha thrice, a Union Minister and as a Governor, Patnaik's public life was spread over decades in service of people. He remained a Congressman till the end and his absence will be felt in the years to come," the Congress President said in her condolence message.

Party Vice President Rahul Gandhi said that he was "deeply saddened" at the passing away of Patnaik.

"Patnaik was a veteran Congress leader, who served the people of this country with dedication, as a three time Chief Minister of Odisha, Union Minister and later as Governor. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones on his demise," he said.

Patnaik passed away in Tirupati early today.