Demise of a Great People’s Leader and Former Minister Surendra Nath Nayak – Kakatpur Mourns, Supporters in Grief
Kakatpur, 5/7 – The passing of Surendra Nath Nayak, a revered former minister and the “Bhishma Pitamah” of Odisha politics, has left a profound void in the political landscape of the state. Known as a man of wisdom, a great people’s leader, and a principled politician, he held numerous important positions, including Deputy Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly and ministerial roles in Panchayati Raj, Revenue, Excise, Agriculture, Mass Education, and as Vice-Chairman of the Planning Board. His influence in non-Congress politics was substantial.
Surendra Nath Nayak passed away at the age of 93 at his residence in Bhubaneswar, after a prolonged illness due to age-related complications. A popular political figure in Kakatpur, he was elected MLA seven times from this constituency. He began his political career as the Chairman of Astaranga Panchayat. In 1971, he was first elected to the Odisha Assembly on a Utkal Congress ticket. He later won elections in 1977 and 1985 on a Janata Party ticket, in 1990 and 1995 on a Janata Dal ticket, and in 2000 and 2004 as a BJD candidate from Kakatpur.
Throughout his political journey, he held various ministerial portfolios and was recognized as a strong leader in Kakatpur politics. From his early days as a Sarpanch, he rose to hold key responsibilities in the Odisha government. In 1977, he served as Deputy Speaker of the Assembly. He was the Minister for Panchayati Raj in 2000, for Mass Education in 2002, and for Agriculture in 2004. His dedication to public service was consistent and commendable.
His demise at the age of 93 has cast a shadow of mourning over Odisha’s political sphere. This morning, his mortal remains were brought to the Assembly premises, where he was accorded a Guard of Honour. Hon’ble Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, former Minister and Kakatpur MLA Tusharkanti Behera, Suresh Routray, Pranab Prakash Das, and several senior ministers and political leaders paid their final respects.
From there, his body was taken to Sankha Bhawan and later to the BJD party office in Kakatpur at 3 PM. At the Kakatpur Press Club, party supporters, well-wishers, political colleagues, and members from various organizations offered floral tributes. His remains were then taken to Astaranga block, his residence in Astaranga, and finally to his birthplace in Ankana village, where his family and villagers had their final glimpse.
Om Shanti.
