Bhubaneswar: Former Kantabanji MLA and senior BJD leader Haji Md. Ayub Khan, popularly known as Ayub Khan, passed away on Wednesday morning at his residence in Kantabanji. He was 78.

According to reports, Khan breathed his last at around 8.30 am after a prolonged illness. His demise has cast a pall of gloom over Kantabanji and nearby areas, where he was regarded as a prominent political figure.

Ayub Khan was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly for the first time in 2004 from the Kantabanji constituency as an Independent candidate. Later, he joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and won the Assembly elections again in 2014 as a party candidate.

During his political career, Khan made notable contributions to the development of Kantabanji and remained actively associated with public issues in the region. Political leaders, supporters and locals have expressed grief over his demise and remembered his role in the constituency’s development.

BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik also condoled the demise of Khan.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ayub Khan, senior organiser of the Biju Janata Dal and former legislator from Kantabanji. In his absence, the party has lost a skilled organiser and compassionate leader. The work he has done for the development of the region and the service of the people will forever immortalise him. In this hour of grief, after speaking with his son, Dr Amjad Alli Khan, I extended my deepest condolences to the entire family and prayed for the eternal peace of his departed soul," said Patnaik in a statement.