A Tribute To Ajit Mangaraj
The Pipili by-election, scheduled to be held on April 17, has been postponed after the demise of Congress candidate Ajit Mangaraj. Ajit succumbed to Covid-19 at the age of 53 while undergoing treatment in a private hospital on April 14, just three days before the all-important by-poll. His untimely death has come as a big blow to both his family and Congress.
In 2019, Ajit had unsuccessfully contested the Assembly election from the same seat. But Congress re-nominated him for the by-poll. Known for his pleasing personality, Ajit was a popular leader in Pipili. Despite having limited resources as compared to other party candidates, he had managed to win the hearts of voters with his soft-spoken and helping nature. He also maintained friendly relations with leaders cutting across party lines.
From a very young age, Ajit was into social work helping people in their times of distress. He always worked for people’s welfare till his last breath.
Here is how leaders of various political parties remember their memorable moments with Ajit.
Pradeep Majhi (Acting President of OPCC)
“I met him for the first time in the year 2011 during Umerkote by-election. He was the party observer for the bypoll and given responsibility of two panchayats. I still remember the way in which he managed to create a strong organisation of youths within a limited time. Gradually, we became good friends. Though he was a businessman and a good politician, he was known to all as a good human being. People of his constituency considered him more of a friend than a leader. I last met him when he was on his death bed. I can never forget his last words. I saw a radiating confidence on his face as he said: I will recover from this disease and get back to the campaigning. He said Congress will do better than the last elections,” Pradeep informed.
Rudra Maharathy (MLA candidate of BJD for Pipili)
“Ajit Mangaraj was a good leader and always greeted people with his signature smile. We used to meet during campaigning but never got a chance to interact. But I never felt he was a competitor as he always responded with smile. I respect him a lot. The last time we met was on the day of filing our nominations. I was returning after filing my nomination when we became face to face. I greeted him with folded palms and he blessed me. I can understand the pain of losing a loved one as recently I lost my father. It is really a hard time for people of Pipili and Delanga as we have lost leaders like my father (Pradeep Maharathy) and Ajit Mangaraj,” Rudra said.
Sameer Mohanty (BJP leader)
“Ajit’s death was unexpected. Though we did not get time to interact much, we knew each other well. He had fought 2014 election as a BJP candidate from Pipili and during this period, we used to campaign together. Then after some months, he joined Congress but we still maintained a good relation. He was a kind-hearted and hard working person. We all are shocked by his untimely demise,” said Sameer.
Ananta Narayan Jena (MLA, Bhubaneswar, Central)
“Ajit was my childhood friend. Since our school days, we shared a strong bonding. He was very simple and used to stay calm in every situation. As he always helped people, no one had any ill feelings towards him. I not only lost a close friend but also a good human being,” said Jena.
The MLA informed that the last time he met Ajit was on the occasion of Shivratri. “He has come to Unit-8 Jagannath temple with his family. We met there and spent around an hour together. I asked him how he managed to stay fit and he shared his fitness mantra with me. I still regret that I could not meet him when he was hospitalised. It is really unfortunate that three days after Kabu (Ajit) died, his mother also breathed her last. May God give strength to his family in such a difficult time,” Jena added.
Golak Mohapatra (BJP Spokesperson)
“Ajit was a good human being. His untimely death is a big loss for state politics. He was in BJP for a brief period during which he managed to get close to all party workers and leaders. I pray for his family during this difficult time,” Mohapatra said.
Panchanan Kanungo (Congress leader)
Kabu (Ajit) was a very humble person. I saw his organisational skills during a padayatra which he was asked to conduct. And he carried it out really well. He invited me to many events in his constituency and every time, I could see the affection of the public towards him. Though he was into the real estate business, there was no controversy surrounding him. His demise is a great loss for our party and his constituency,” Kanungo informed.
