Interview Times 
Damodar Rout Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Former Odisha minister and passed away today morning,while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar.
Rout, who was suffering from age-related ailments, fell ill following a cardiac arrest on March 18. He was first rushed to Capital Hospital and later to a private hospital. His condition was extremely critical as he was in a ‘brain dead’ state, family sources said.
Since 70s to 2019 Former Odisha minister Rout, a seven-time MLA, was actively involved in electoral politics from the and had served in the Cabinet of Naveen patnaik and his father Biju Patnaik.Dr. damodar Rout, a trained veterinary doctor by profession, had joined politics in 1970s and had contested his first election in 1974 on Utkal Congress ticket when he lost to Loknath Choudhury of CPI by less than 15,000 votes from Erasama assembly constituency. He was first elected to the Odisha Assembly in 1977 on a Janata Party ticket.
the official handle of the President of India, the President expresses grief and said, “Saddened by the demise of veteran leader Shri Damodar Rout who served as minister several times in Odisha Government. Shri Rout’s contribution to the progress of Odisha and the country will always be remembered. My deepest condolences to his family members and followers.”
Earlier today, the Chief Minister of Odisha paid his last respect to the leader via his official X handle. The X post translates as follows, “I am saddened to learn about the demise of senior Biju Janata Party leader and former minister Damodar Raut. This is an irreparable loss in Odisha politics. His work for the service and betterment of the people will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace and my condolences to the bereaved family members.”
