Career
He belonged to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party. On 2 August 2012, he was given the portfolio of Panchayati Raj Minister. From 3 April 2014, he was an Member of Parliament of Rajya Sabha.
In 2013, he was State Panchayati Raj Minister and Parliamentary Affairs Minister.
He died on 25 July 2015, aged 64.