Bhubaneswar, Nov 17 (UNI) Former Balikuda MLA Umesh Chandra Swain died at his residence here today following a massive cardiac arrest. He was 74.

Family sources said his last rites would be performed at his native village at Machhagaon in Jagatsinghpur district.

Born in Machhagaon village in Jagatsinghpur district on November 15, 1948. Mr Swain joined politics after completion of his graduation in commerce and Law.

Mr Swain, a prominent political leader of coastal Odisha, had represented the Balikuda Assembly constituency four times. He was first elected to Odisha state Assembly from 1977-1980 as Janata party candidate and again, from 1990 to 1995 as Janata Dal candidate.

He was elected to the state Assembly twice from Balikuda in 2000 and 2004 Assembly elections a congress candidate but later fed up with factionalism in Congress party, Mr Swain quit the party.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condoled the demise of Mr Swain. In a condolence message, Mr Patnaik said he was very sad to learn about the death of former Balikuda MLA Umesh Chandra Swain.

Mr Swain would be remembered for his selfless service and welfare programmes, the Chief Minister said and prayed. for the salvation of the departed soul. He also expressed his sympathies to the bereaved family members.

Odisha Pradesh Congress President Niranjan Patnaik, Union Minister of Education and Skill Development Dharmendra Pradhan and leaders of various political parties have also expressed their profound grief at the passing away of Mr Swain.

UNI BD DP RN