OdishaPlus Bureau

The COVID-19 pandemic stealthily has made its way to the political arena. From former President Pranab Mukherjee to Bhubaneswar (Central) MLA Ananta Narayana Jena, lot many politicians have contracted the virus, making it apparent that the virus has advanced into the Indian political power house.

Closer home, a number of legislators from Odisha, who have had the privilege to remain as much shielded from this contamination have sadly fallen prey to the coronavirus. Here is the list of the politicians who added their names to the COVID-19 cases.

Sukanta Kumar Nayak, first MLA to test COVID-19 positive

Nilgiri MLA Sukanta Kumar Nayak is the first politician from the state to have tested positive for the Coronavirus after his tests confirmed on July 06.  Nayak had attended some meetings in his constituency and was also present at the funeral of ex-MLA Madan Mohan Dutta. In addition to this, Nayak had attended meetings in Bhubaneswar and in his home constituency apart from participating in a gathering of women self-help groups (SHGs). He also took part in a meeting at Chhatrapur village.

Dharmendra Pradhan, second cabinet minister to test COVID-19 positive

The Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel on August 4 tweeted to confirm the news of testing positive for the virus. Pradhan stated that his condition was stable. He was also admitted to Medanta Hospital and has recovered from the infection.

Suresh Pujari, Bargarh MP tests postive

Senior BJP leader and Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Bargarh Suresh Pujari comes next in the list. On August 8, Suresh Pujari took to twitter to inform about contacting the novel coronavirus.

Susanta Singh, first minister from state to test corona positive

The Rural Development, Labour and Employees’ Insurance Minister, Susanta Singh tested positive for COVID-19 on August 17. He is the first Minister from Odisha to test COVID-19 positive.

Shreemayee Mishra, only lady politician in the list

Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) Chairperson, Shreemayee Mishra tested positive on August 19. Currently, she is the general secretary of the ruling party BJD and leader from Balangir.

Ananta Narayan Jena, former Bhubaneswar Mayor tests positive

The Bhubaneswar (Central) MLA Ananta Narayan Jena tested COVID-19 positive on August 20. Jena is also the former Mayor of Bhubaneswar.

Sudhanshu Shekhar Parida, tested postive after coming in contact with Nilgiri MLA

The BJD MLA from Remuna in Balasore district tested positive for COVID-19 on July 14 and was home quarantined after having come in contact with BJP’s Nilagiri MLA Sukanta Kumar Nayak.

Soumya Ranjan Patnaik and his wife test COVID-19 positive

The Khandapada MLA and Editor of ‘Sambad’, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik along with his wife, were admitted to hospital after testing positive for COVID-19 on August 14. The two were admitted to Ashwini COVID Hospital in Cuttack.

Srikant Sahu, BJD legislator from Ganjam tested positive 

Srikanta Sahu who is the BJD legislator from Polasara in Ganjam district tested positive for COVID-19 on July 24.

Prashant Behera, first time legislator from BJD tested COVID-19 positive

The first-time legislator from the BJD tested positive for the coronavirus on July 8. Behera, the Salepur MLA, his PSO and driver were infected and shifted to a COVID hospital in Cuttack.

Sanjib Mallick, latest addition to the list

Bhadrak MLA Sanjib Mallick has tested positive for COVID-19 on August 21. Mallick informed that his COVID test results came out positive and requested all people who came in his contact to go for COVID test and obey the guidelines.

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