BJP leader and former minister Samir Dey passes away; condolences pour in

Senior BJP leader and former minister Samir Dey passed away while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Cuttack on Monday. He was 67.

As per reports, Dey was admitted to a private hospital in the CDA area in Cuttack on November 1, after his health condition deteriorated. Sources said Samir Dey, who was fondly called Dada, was suffering from pneumonia and other diseases.

Dr Sampad Das said, “Samir Dey was admitted to the hospital with several complications and was in ICU. We kept him on ventilator support and his immune system was not functioning properly, and lungs were significantly damaged. We conducted a dialysis and he suffered a cardiac arrest due to multiple organ failure.”

Samir Dey had served as minister of Higher Education in the former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik's cabinet from 2004-09. He had also served as the Minister of Urban Development from 2000-04. 

Dey had represented Cuttack City thrice in a row- 1995, 2000, and 2004 in the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

Condolences Pour In As Samir Dey Passes Away

Expressing grief over Samir Dey’s demise, Odisha CM Mohan Majhi said, “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of senior politician and former minister Samir Dey. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family. His last rites will be conducted with full state honours.”

Taking to her official X handle, Odisha Deputy CM Pravati Parida wrote, “Samir Dey was actively involved since the Ram Janma Bhoomi Andolan and had created a model by reaching out to the people in Cuttack and nearby areas. He proved his abilities as a minister in 2000 and 2004. His passing away is a great loss not only for our party but for the entire Odisha.”

Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling said, “I had met Samir Dey and enquired about his health. His untimely demise is a great loss for Odisha. I had spoken to him during the formation of cabinet and he encouraged me to work for the people of the state.”

Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab said, “Samir Dey had a different vision to turn Cuttack into a modern city and was working tirelessly in this regard. I knew him before he was a MLA. From 1998 to 2009, we worked together. Under his leadership, two to three universities were set up in Cuttack. He had also played a crucial role in bringing reforms in the higher education department.”

Taking to his official X handle,  BJP National Vice-President Baijayant Panda wrote, “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of our party's senior leader, former minister Samir Dey. I had a long political and personal acquaintance with him. May the departed soul rest in peace.”

BJD president and former CM Naveen Patnaik also expressed his grief over the passing away of the BJP leader. Taking to X, Patnaik wrote, “Deeply saddened over the demise of senior leader and former minister Samir Dey. His work for the welfare of people and other development works will always be remembered.”

On the demise of Dey, Cuttack Mayor Subhas Singh said, “It is a tragic incident. We worked together for the past several years in Cuttack. Despite political differences, we worked together during festivals and also carried out other works in Cuttack city. Samir Dey had a crucial role in the development of the city.”

Senior BJP leader Samir Mohanty said, “We are deeply hurt by the passing away of Samir Dey. He was one of my close associates. He had worked hard to make the party strong. His demise is an irreparable loss for us. Samir Dey was deeply connected with the people of Cuttack. His connection with the party workers was extraordinary.”