TV
Former Deputy Speaker of Odisha Legislative Assembly and senior politician Bibhuti Bhusan Singh Mardaraj passed away at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar 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. His condition deteriorated, and he breathed his last on Wednesday.
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.
Leaders across party lines have expressed their condolences to the bereaved family.
Taking to his X handle (formerly Twitter), Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over the passing away of the veteran leader.
“I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Shri Bibhuti Bhusan Singh Mardaraj, former Minister in the Odisha Government and former Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly. I pray before Lord Jagannath for the eternal peace of the departed soul and extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Om Shanti,” wrote Majhi.
Expressing grief, BJP National Vice President and Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda wrote, “I am saddened and deeply pained to hear about the demise of former Deputy Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly and former Minister in the Odisha Government, Raja Saheb Shri Bibhuti Bhushan Singh Mardaraj. I had a personal acquaintance with Raja Saheb. I pray for the departed soul to rest in peace and extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members, especially his son, former MLA Shri Siddharth Sekhar Singh. Om Shanti.”
