Former Odisha Governor Muralidhar Chandrakant Bhandare Passes Away at 95

Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare, the former Governor of Odisha, passed away on June 15 at 95. The news has elicited heartfelt condolences from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Bhandare was a prominent Congress leader from Maharashtra and served three terms as a Rajya Sabha member. His distinguished career also included practicing as a Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court. He held the position of Odisha’s Governor from August 2007 until March 2013.

Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare, born on December 10, 1928, in Mumbai, began his tenure as the Governor of Odisha on August 21, 2007, succeeding Rameshwar Thakur. He served in this capacity until March 9, 2013, when SC Jamir took over the role.

A prominent Congress leader from Maharashtra, Bhandare was first elected to the Rajya Sabha in June 1980 and subsequently re-elected in April 1982 and April 1988. During his time in Parliament, he chaired several committees and traveled extensively to countries including the USA, UK, USSR, and Germany.

As a senior advocate at the Supreme Court, Bhandare was renowned for advocating for the rights of the common man. He also served two terms as the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, earning widespread respect in the legal community.

Raghubar Das, the current Governor of Odisha, expressed his sorrow, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Muralidhar Chandrakant Bhandare, former Governor of Odisha and esteemed politician.”