Bhubaneswar: The last rites of former speaker of Odisha Assembly and senior Biju Janata Dal leader Surjya Narayan Patro will be held in his native place Digapahandi. The veteran leader passed away Saturday evening after prolonged illness. He was under treatment at a private Hospital in Bhubaneswar.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is likely to pay his tributes to the departed soul at his residence and after that the mortal remains will be taken to the State Assembly and Lok Seva Bhawan. It will also be taken to the Biju Janata Dal headquarters Sankha Bhawan where party leaders and common people will pay their respects.
A seven-time MLA, Surjya Narayan Patro was one of the most popular leaders in Ganjam district and was well known for his organizational skills. He was elected to the State Legislative Assembly continuously since 1990. He was elected from Mohana constituency for four times. After delimitation in 2009, he was elected from Digapahandi assembly constituency of Ganjam district.
Patro also served as Cabinet Minister both during the Biju Patnaik Government as well as the Naveen Patnaik Government. He had held important portfolios like Energy, Revenue and Food distribution in the CM Naveen Patnaik’s cabinet.
A pall of gloom descended in Ganjam district and across the State following the demise of the veteran political leader.