Bhubaneswar: Senior Congress leader and former Daspalla MLA Harihar Karan passed away at a private hospital here following an illness. He was 72.
Karan who was suffering from Septicaemia for past few months breathed his last early in the morning, say reports.
Karan, born on May 5, 1947 joined students politics since his college days and got elected as President M.S. Law College Student`s Union President in 1968. After coming to State Politics in 1974 and joining the Congress Party later, he became the General Secretary of PCC and AIC C member.
The late leader had been elected to the Odisha Assembly from Daspalla Constituency on five occasions, in 1977, 1980, 1985 and 2000 on Congress ticket and as an independent candidate in 1974.
Known for his people-centric initiatives Karan worked relentlessly for the benefit of the downtrodden people.
Leaders across party line have expressed their grief over the demise of the senior leader and wished for heavenly abode for the departed soul.
Ms Kalinga