Former Speaker of Odisha Assembly Surjya Narayan Patro cremated with full state honours

Digapahandi: The mortal remains of departed former Speaker of Odisha Assembly and senior BJD leader Surjya Narayan Patro were consigned to the flames with full state honours on Sunday evening at the cremation ground in his native village of Digapahandi in Ganjam district.

Several dignitaries and local residents paid a tearful adieu to the senior leader. Patro’s elder son Biplab performed the Mukhagni rituals prior to the cremation as per the Hindu tradition in the presence of other family members, relatives, followers and well-wishers. Several administrative officials and local leaders were also present on the occasion, a source said.

Earlier in the day, Patro’s body was carried to the Legislative Assembly and Lok Seva Bhawan.

Patro died yesterday at around 7.30 PM in a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. He was 74.

The senior leader was admitted to the hospital a few hours before his death. He was suffering from old age-related complications. However, he did not respond to medical treatment and succumbed.

The former Speaker 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.