Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed grief over the passing of senior Congress leader and former Mayurbhanj MP Sushila Tiriya.
“Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Adivasi leader and former MP Sushila Tiriya. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the grieving family and pray to Lord Shri Jagannath for the peaceful repose of the departed soul,” the Chief Minister posted on social media late Sunday night.
According to sources, Tiriya breathed her last on Sunday evening at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she had been receiving treatment for health complications over the past several days. She was 70.
A prominent tribal leader from Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, Tiriya was born on February 6, 1956, in Kaluakhaman village. She was first elected to the Rajya Sabha from Odisha in 1986, where she served on consultative committees for ministries including Science and Technology, Civil Aviation, and Communications. She went on to win the Mayurbhanj Lok Sabha seat twice — in 1994 and again in 1996. She represented Odisha in the Rajya Sabha again in 2006.
Tiriya was also a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party’s apex decision-making body.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das condoled her death, stating, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Sushila Tiriya, former MP and ex-CWC member. Her commitment to tribal welfare and social justice will be remembered.” He extended heartfelt condolences to her family.
Senior Congress leader Navajyoti Patnaik highlighted the void left in North Odisha’s politics, saying, “The demise of Tiriya, a dedicated social worker and senior Congress leader, has created a void in the politics of North Odisha. She lived her life in the service of the people. Her contribution to the development of the Mayurbhanj region and her strong voice for tribal rights will always be remembered.”
