Bhubaneswar, February 13 Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Kanh Charan Lenka died here on Friday, his family said.
He was 86 years old and is survived by a son and a daughter.
Lenka, who was suffering from age-related ailments, died of a cardiac arrest at a private hospital around 9:45 am, his son Satyabrat Lenka said.
Born on March 2, 1939, in the Cuttack district, Lenka was elected to the Odisha Assembly from the Choudwar seat four times in 1971, 1974, 1980, and 1995. He was also a member of the Rajya Sabha and the Union Minister of State for Railways.
As MoS, Railways, Lenka's contribution to infrastructure and connectivity initiatives for Odisha was remarkable, said senior Congress leader Jaydev Jena.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, Naveen Patnaik, and President of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) Bhakta Charan Das, among others, expressed condolences on Lenka's demise.
In a post on X, Majhi said, "I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of senior leader, former Union minister, and former Member of Parliament, Kanh Charan Lenka. I convey my condolences to the bereaved family during this hour of grief, and pray to Lord Shri Jagannath for the peaceful repose of the departed soul. Om Shanti."
Patnaik, in a social media post, said, "I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of eminent politician, former parliamentarian, and ex-Union minister, Kahnu Charan Lenka. His lifelong dedication to public service will always remain memorable. While praying for the eternal peace of his immortal soul, I convey my condolences to his bereaved family members."
Lenka's mortal remains will be brought to the Odisha Pradesh Congress headquarters here for party members and the public to pay their tributes, OPCC said in a statement.