Bhubaneswar, February 16 Former Odisha MLA and popular doctor, Raseswari Panigrahi, died on Monday at her residence in Sambalpur district, her doctor said.
She was 79 years old and unmarried.
Panigrahi was undergoing treatment due to neurological complications. Her condition worsened on Sunday when she was at her residence in Shanti Nagar, Sambalpur.
"Since Panigrahi did not want to be hospitalised or put on a ventilator, she was being treated at home. She was mentally alert until Sunday. However, today she felt drowsy," the doctor said.
She died around 8:50 pm.
Panigrahi was elected to the state Assembly once from the Sambalpur constituency in 2014 on a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ticket. However, she resigned from the BJD in 2024 and decided to retire from politics.
Panigrahi, a well-known gynecologist from western Odisha, is known for her dedication and service to humanity, particularly to the poor.
She was associated with various socio-cultural and religious organisations in Sambalpur and was honoured for her contributions to social causes.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in a post on X, said he was deeply saddened to learn of Panigrahi's passing, who was a senior leader from Sambalpur and a distinguished physician.
He conveyed condolences to the bereaved family while praying to Lord Jagannath for the departed soul's peaceful journey.
The last rites of the former MLA will be conducted on Tuesday in the presence of family members, relatives, and others.