Bhubaneswar, Oct 30: Eminent poet and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shankarshan Parida passed away today after a prolonged battle with lung cancer. He had been undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where his condition had been critical.

Parida, who had earlier received treatment for cancer in Mumbai, was first admitted to Capital Hospital before being shifted to AIIMS. The news of his demise was shared by his daughter on Facebook. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Born on October 17, Parida wrote his final poem from his hospital bed. Following the announcement of his death, condolences have poured in from literary circles, political leaders, and citizens across the state.