Odisha govt declares one day state mourning in honour of Rabi Ray

06 March, Bhubaneswar

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Monday condoled the death of former Lok Sabha Speaker Rabi Ray and declared one day state mourning in honour of Ray tomorrow.

The national flag will be flown at half mast on all government buildings for the day and the body of Ray will be cremated with full state honour tomorrow.

Ray died at the SCBMedical College and Hospital at Cuttack this after noon following protracted illness. He was admitted in the central ICU of the hospital on February 12 last.

A host of political leaders today visited the SCB hospital to pay their last tribute to the departed leader.

The body of Mr.Ray was taken to the Ravenshaw University where he completed his graduation and also later to the M S law College before being taken to his residence in Cuttack. Family sources said the body will be cremated at his village in Puri district tomorrow.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who condoled the death of Ray a described him as a veteran socialist leader who established rich tradition in the conduct of Lok Sabha.

Ray, he said, worked with commitment for the socialist ideas and moral values in the public life. The Chief Minister also sympathised with Ms Ray and other members of the bereaved family.