Veteran BJD leader, former Odisha minister and seven time MLA Surendra Nath Naik passed away on Friday following protracted illness.
He was 93.
Family sources said Naik passed away at his residence here in the wee hours of Friday.
A close aide of former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik, the BJD leader started his political career as Chairman of Astarang Panchayat Samitee during 1960-1967.
He was first elected to Odisha Legislative Assembly in 1971 as Utkal Congress candidate from Kakatpur Assembly seat and subsequently elected to the Assembly six times as Janata,Janata Party, Janata Dal and finally Biju Janata Dal candidate till 2009.
Naik had served as Deputy Speaker of the Odisha Assembly from July 27,1977 to February 17,1980.
He had served as cabinet minister in both the Biju Patnaik and Naveen Patnaik governments and held Excise, Revenue, Panchayati Raj, School and Mass education and Agriculture portfolios.
Naik was also appointed as Deputy Chairman, Odisha Planning Commission during the tenure of Naveen Patnaik government.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed his deep grief at the demise of the veteran political leader of the state .
In his condolence message, Majhi said Naik was a very popular leader and strong administrator and has made major contributions in various fields as MLA and Minister.
His demise, the Chief Minister said, was a big loss for Odisha.
The body of Naik was brought to the State Assembly where Speaker Surama Padhi, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo and Pravati Parida besides several council of ministers offered floral tribute to the departed soul.
A guard of honour was accorded to Naik inside the Assembly premises before the body was taken to his native village.
Former Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik also expressed his profound grief on the passing away of Naik, a popular leader of coastal Odisha.
Taking to Twitter, Patanaik said, “I am saddened to hear the demise of senior leader, former MLA, Minister and former Deputy Speaker Surandranath Naik”.
He said Naik’s dedication towards serving the Kakatpur people will always be remembered.
As an able politician and public representative, his philanthropic work will be a source of inspiration for all, Patnaik said while expressing his condolence to the bereaved family members.
