Former Deputy Speaker Bibhuti Bhusan Mardaraj to be cremated with full royal honours; son to be crowned

The final rites of former Deputy Speaker of Odisha Assembly and former minister Bibhuti Bhusan Singh Mardaraj will be performed with full royal tradition at the Khandapada royal palace in Nayagarh on Friday.

Prior to the cremation, his son Siddharth Shekhar Singh will be formally crowned as per royal custom, the royal family has announced. 

According to tradition, the coronation of the heir takes place before the final rites of the predecessor. The royal family has made elaborate arrangements for the occasion. Bibhuti Bhusan Singh Mardaraj passed away at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar.

Seventy-year-old Mardaraj had been undergoing treatment for cardiac-related ailments over the past few days. His condition deteriorated, and he breathed his last on Wednesday.

Must Read: Former Deputy Speaker of Odisha Assembly Bibhuti Bhusan Mardaraj passes away

Mardaraj was a prominent political figure in Odisha during the 1980s and 1990s. He was elected as an MLA from the Khandapada Assembly constituency three times- in 1980, 1985, and 1995. Over his career, he held several key positions, including that of Deputy Speaker and Minister in the state government.

His death has left the political fraternity and the people of Khandapada in mourning, with many recalling his contributions to public service and governance.