Jharsuguda : Former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Makardhwaj Pradhan passed away today at the age of 102. He breathed his last at his residence in Baghmunda, Jharsuguda district. Pradhan’s political journey and life of service spanned several decades, marking him as a distinguished figure in Odisha’s political landscape.
Born on January 14, 1924, Pradhan was elected as an MLA from the Mura-Ambhabhona constituency during Odisha’s first general election in 1952, serving in the assembly until 1957. His interest in politics began during his time at Ravenshaw College in Cuttack, where he was drawn to the principles of the Socialist Party, advocating democratic socialism. This early influence led him to contest the 1952 Vidhan Sabha elections as an independent candidate, marking the beginning of his impactful career.
Pradhan was elected during the tenure of then-Chief Minister Nabakrushna Choudhury, joining a pioneering generation of leaders shaping the state’s future.
