Former Union Minister Kanhu Charan Lenka passes away in Bhubaneswar

Former Union Minister Kanhu Charan Lenka passed away at the age of 86 at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on Friday. With a political career spanning several decades, Lenka held key positions both at the Centre and in Odisha.

Lenka served as a Rajya Sabha MP from 1988 to 1994. During the tenure of the government led by P. V. Narasimha Rao at the Centre, he discharged his responsibilities as Minister of State for Railways and Agriculture.

He later represented Choudwar as an MLA from 1995 to 2000, continuing his public service at the state level.

His mortal remains were set to be brought to the Assembly premises at 12:30 pm, where several distinguished persons will pay their tributes. At 1 pm, the body will be taken to Congress Bhavan and thereafter to Arada village in Nakhara. The final rites will be conducted at Swargadwar in Puri.

Condolences Pour In

Politicians and others extended their condolences following his demise.

Senior Congress leader Sura Routray said, “This is a huge loss for Congress party and Odisha. His loss is irreplaceable. I had known him for over 60 years. I pray for his soul and strength for his family to deal with the loss.”

OPCC President Bhakta Das expressed sorrow,

Odisha CM Mohan Majhi also expressed grief, in his tweet he wrote, 

BJD Chief Naveen Patnaik also conveyed his condolences