Pradhan was admitted to a private hospital for illness and was undergoing treatment there. She succumbed in the hospital in the afternoon, family sources said.

Pradhan’s body was taken in a procession by her family members and BJP workers through the city to her residence near Sangam Cinema at Dolamundai. Several BJP leaders and prominent persons of the city offered their homage to the departed soul.

Odisha unit president of BJP Manmohan Samal, Leader of Opposition in Assembly Jay Narayan Mishra and national vice-president Baijayanta Panda condoled the death of Pradhan.

The last rites of Pradhan, who was elected to Odisha Assembly from Cuttack Sadar once, would be performed at Khannagar cremation ground in the city on Thursday night.

Born in Kendrapada, Pradhan was involved in social service from her student career. Whie studying in Kendrapada College, she joined active politics on the advice of BJP leader Samir Dey.

She served in different capacities in BJP Mahila Morcha before being appointed as general secretary of the state unit of the party. She had first contested for councillor post from Haripur in 1998. She was elected from Haripur where she contested for second time when Ashirbad Behera was the chairman.