Bhubaneswar: Former Lanjigarh MLA Shivaji Majhi passed away following a prolonged illness at his native Danariguda in Kalahandi district on Wednesday morning. He was 55.His death has cast a gloom on the region leaving scores of party supporters and locals mourning. A grassroots politician, he had risen from serving as a sarpanch to winning as MLA in very short time. He mostly espoused the cause of tribal rights and development of tribal-dominated Lanjigarh area.Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over Majhi’s demise. “I am saddened to learn the demise of MLA Shivaji Majhi. I express my sympathy for the bereaved family and pray for peace of the departed soul,” CM wrote on X.Majhi had been elected as MLA from Lanjigarh for the first time on a Congress ticket in 2009. But later he joined BJD. He had become the first chairman of the Special Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Council in Kalahandi district.“The news of the demise of former Lanjigarh MLA and BJD leader Shivaji Majhi is saddening. His life dedicated to the service of the common people will always be remembered. Along with praying for the peace of his eternal soul, I extend my condolences to the bereaved family members in this time of grief,” wrote Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik.
