Bhubaneswar: Former Deputy Speaker of Odisha Assembly Bibhuti Bhusan Singh Mardaraj breathed his last at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar late on Wednesday. He was 70.
A member of the royal family of Khandapada in Nayagarh district informed that Mardaraj had been undergoing treatment for cardiac-related ailments over the past few days and passed away at around 12.30 am.
The titular king of Khandpada Gada was a three-time MLA. He was elected to the Odisha Assembly in 1980, 1985, and 1995 from the Khandapada constituency. He served as minister (independent charge) Tourism, Culture, Planning & Coordination. He was the deputy speaker of the Odisha Assembly from 1996 to 2000. His son Siddharth Sekhar Singh was also elected to the state assembly in 2009 on a BJD ticket.
Political leaders cutting across party lines consoled the demise of Mardaraj.
“I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of former minister and former deputy speaker of Odisha Assembly, Shri Bibhuti Bhusan Singh Mardaraj. I pray to Lord Shri Jagannath for the eternal peace of the departed soul and extend my condolences to the family members. Om Shanti,” Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said in an X post.
“I am saddened to learn about the demise of senior Congress leader and former Deputy Speaker Bibhuti Bhushan Singh Mardaraj. His work towards the service and progress of the people will always remain memorable. I pray for the eternal peace of his departed soul and express my condolences to the bereaved family members,” LoP Naveen Patnaik wrote.
“I am deeply saddened and heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of Bibhuti Bhushan Singh Mardaraj, former Minister in the Odisha Government and former Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. His contributions to the field of politics will remain eternally memorable. I pray for the eternal peace of the departed soul and extend my condolences to the bereaved family,” Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Former Minister & Deputy Speaker of Odisha, Shri Bibhuti Bhusan Singh Mardaraj. He was known for his passion towards environmental causes, history and culture. I offer my sincere condolences to his bereaved family and well wishers,” Odisha Congress president Bhakta Das.
