Former Odisha Youth Congress president Sangram Jena died on Thursday while undergoing treatment for complications from Covid. He was 44, his family said.
Sangram, the son of former Odisha Pradesh Congressional committee chief Jaydev Jena, was under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for the past 84 days at a private hospital in Hyderabad. He was undergoing treatment after contracting Covid-19, his younger brother Manoj Jena informed.
Considered one of Odisha’s main emerging leaders, Sangram was an important face in the youth wing of the State Congress. He had successfully played active roles in youth policy throughout his career, from his university studies until now.
He was Secretary General of the State Youth Congress in the team of Ranjeev Biswal, State Vice President of the Youth Wing under the banner of Rohit Pujari, and currently held the post of Secretary General under Niranjan Patnaik.
Political observers believe he had a good base of support among young party supporters in all districts, such as the party organization led by the late leader of the late Lalatendu Bidyadhar (Lulu) Mohapatra
Sangram lost the 2014 general election while running in Bhadrak Lok Sabha constituency after a fierce fight with opposition leaders, but managed to secure around 3.30 lakh votes.
Condolences have poured in from all quarters following the death of the youth leader. OPCC President Niranjan Patnaik expressed his deep sadness at the untimely demise of Sangram.
Congress veteran Narasingha Mishra, Ramachandra Khuntia and many other party leaders mourned Sangram’s death.
According to some sources, Sangram’s remains will be brought to Odisha this evening and preparations are underway at the Odisha Congress headquarters where political party leaders can pay their final respects to the deceased leader.
Odisha BJP vice president Bhrugu Baxipatra and BJD chief Rohit Pujari wrote heartfelt notes on social media to regret Sangram’s passing.
Deeply distressed by the death of former Youth Congress President Sangram Jena (Bapi) at the age of 43. Not an age to go.
He was like a little brother to me. My sincere condolences to his father Shri Jayadev Jena and to the other members of the family.
Om Shanti. ?? pic.twitter.com/W6L0y76ewx
– Bhrugu Baxipatra (@BhruguBJP) August 19, 2021
I am very disturbed to hear of the untimely demise of #Sangramjena(Bapi). He was a very popular youth leader of the state and it is a huge loss to lose such a youth leader. Personally, I have lost a brother. My heart expressed condolences to his family and friends@Naveen_Odisha
– Rohit Pujari (@rohitpujaribjd) August 19, 2021
India’s Congress Secretary Vamshi Chand Reddy and AICC Odisha Chief A Chella Kumar also expressed sorrow over the incident.
Shocked to learn of the sudden passing of my dear friend and former president of @IYCOdisha Sangram Jena. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. That his soul rests in peace. pic.twitter.com/541LesoRdY
– Vamshi Chand Reddy రెడà±à°¡à°¿ (@VamsiChandReddy) August 19, 2021
I am deeply saddened by the passing of the President of the Youth Congress of Father Odisha, Shri Sangram Jena. He was a Congress warrior.
His loss is irreparable for his family and for the party. My deepest condolences to his family and friends
Let’s all show solidarity with his family at the time of the greif pic.twitter.com/ZGfph196nL– Dr A Chella Kumar (@DrAChellaKumar) August 19, 2021
Chief Congresswoman Sura Routray broke down in tears as she spoke to the media about the incident.