Veteran BJP Leader and poet Shankar Parida passes away at AIIMS Bhubaneswar

Senior BJP leader and former Puri Zilla Parishad Chairperson Shankar Parida passed away on Thursday at AIIMS Bhubaneswar while undergoing treatment for lung cancer. According to family sources, Parida had been battling the illness for several months and succumbed late Thursday night.

Sources reported that Parida had been under prolonged treatment at several medical institutions, both within and outside the state.

Parida was first admitted to Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre in Cuttack, then to Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, and Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar, before being shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Doctors confirmed that his condition had been critical for several days prior to his demise.

He was reportedly surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. His wife, a college lecturer, and their two daughters were present at the hospital, informed sources.

Distinguished Public Career

A multifaceted personality, Shankar Parida was known both for his political career and literary contributions. He served as President of the Puri Sadar Block, Chairman of the Odisha State Handicrafts Corporation, and Chairperson of the Odisha State Panchayati Parishad.

Parida was widely respected for his grassroots leadership and his role in strengthening local self-governance. Alongside his political work, he was also recognised as a poet and writer, contributing to Odia literature with his reflective and socially rooted works.

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Leaders Pay Tribute

Parida is survived by his wife and two daughters. His death has been mourned across political and literary circles in Odisha.

As per the last reports, funeral arrangements are being made in Bhubaneswar and Puri, where party colleagues and well-wishers are expected to pay their respects.

CM Mohan Charan Majhi condoled the passing of Parida's with a post on X. He said that the veteran leader's passing was an irreparable loss to Odisha's political and literary world. "Deep condolences to the bereaved family. May Lord Jagannath grant eternal peace to his soul," the CM wrote.