Beloved Veteran BJD Leader & Former Minister Surendra Nath Naik Passes Away: A Heartfelt Tribute
Veteran BJD Leader Surendra Nath Naik Passes Away at 93
BHUBANESWAR: Veteran Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Odisha minister Surendra Nath Naik passed away on Friday following a prolonged illness. He was 93.
Family sources confirmed that Naik passed away at his residence in the early hours of Friday. Naik, a close associate of former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik, began his political career as Chairman of the Astarang Panchayat Samitee from 1960 to 1967.
Naik was first elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly in 1971 as an Utkal Congress candidate from the Kakatpur Assembly seat. He subsequently served six more terms, representing parties including the Janata, Janata Party, Janata Dal, and finally the Biju Janata Dal, until 2009.
During his tenure, Naik held several key positions, including Deputy Speaker of the Odisha Assembly from July 27, 1977, to February 17, 1980. He served as a cabinet minister in both Biju Patnaik and Naveen Patnaik governments, managing portfolios such as Excise, Revenue, Panchayati Raj, School and Mass Education, and Agriculture. Additionally, Naik was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Odisha Planning Commission during Naveen Patnaik’s administration.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep grief over Naik’s demise, describing him as a popular leader and strong administrator who made significant contributions as an MLA and Minister. Majhi noted that Naik’s death is a substantial loss for Odisha.
The state assembly paid tribute to Naik with a guard of honor. Speaker Surama Padhi, Chief Minister Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo, and several other ministers offered floral tributes to the late leader. Naik’s body was later taken to his native village.
Former Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik also expressed his profound grief on Twitter, praising Naik’s dedication to serving the people of Kakatpur. Patnaik highlighted Naik’s philanthropic work as a lasting source of inspiration and offered condolences to his bereaved family.
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