Bhubaneswar: Former BJD Minister Surendranath Naik breathed his last at his residence in Odisha capital in the early hours on Friday. He was 93.
The seven-time MLA from Kakatpur was suffering from age-related ailments, sources said.
A native of Puri, he was the chairman of Astarang Panchayat Samiti from 1960 to 1967. He held different portfolios, including agriculture, revenue, and education, as a minister and was a close aide of former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.
He had cast his vote in the recently-concluded election.
Naik was accorded a guard of honour on Odisha Assembly premises, where Speaker Surama Padhy, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, Deputy CMs Pravati Parida & KV Singhdeo paid their tribute to the departed soul.
Expressing grief over his demise, the CM had earlier described Naik was a popular leader and an efficient administrator. He termed his death as a great loss for the state.
Former CM and BJD president Naveen Patnaik also extended condolences to the bereaved family members. “I am saddened to hear the demise of senior leader, former MLA, Minister and former Deputy Speaker Surandranath Naik. His 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. May his soul rest in peace.”
According to sources, his mortal remains will be taken Sankha Bhawan, the BJD party headquarters, and then to his native place in Astarang block for the last rites.