Former Odisha Speaker, senior BJD leader Surjya Narayan Patro breathes his last at 74

Bhubaneswar: Former Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker and senior BJD leader Surjya Narayan Patro is no more. He breathed his last today at around 7.30 PM in a private hospital here. He was 74.

According to a source, the BJD leader was admitted to the hospital a few hours ago. He was suffering from old age-related complications. However, he did not respond to medical treatment and succumbed.

Former Speaker Patro was elected as legislator from Mohana Assembly constituency four times and Digapahandi three times. The elderly man had won the Mohana MLA seat for the first time in 1990. He served the State as a Minister and held several portfolios. He had resigned from the post of Speaker in June, last year on the grounds of ill health.

Born on December 24, 1948, in Berhampur of Ganjam district, he did his BSc Degree followed by LLB. He was active in social service prior to joining politics. Patro became a Councillor in 1977.

A pall of gloom descended on the State after news of the senior leader’s sad demise spread. Leaders from different political parties and distinguished persons expressed their condolences.