Former Odisha Assembly Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro, 75, passes away
By Nalini Sahu
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 3: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA and former Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker, Surjya Narayan Patro passed away at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on Saturday evening.
He was 75.
As per reports, Patro was admitted to the hospital in afternoon today after his health deteriorated.
A seven-time legislator, he was a sitting MLA of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) representing Digapahandi Assembly Constituency.
Born on December 24, 1948 in Odisha’s Ganjam district, Patro rose from a humble origin. He started his career as journalist and then practiced as lawyer in Berhmapur.
He entered the Odisha Legislative Assembly 1990 and became a minister of state in the Biju Patnaik’s council of minister with forest, fisheries and animal husbandry portfolios.
He was inducted into the Naveen Patnaik’s cabinet on August 6, 2002 and got energy portfolio. Later, he went on to get departments science and technology, environment, tourism, information technology, information and public relations; culture, cooperation, food supplies and cooperation.
He became Speaker of Odisha Legislative Assembly on January 6, 2029 and continued in the same position till June 6, 2022 when he stepped down due to ill health.
An amiable person as he was, the seven-time lawmaker Patro was a strong organiser. He played a crucial role in Ganjam district politics.
As minister, Patro brought about significant changes in all the departments he held during his career.
His role as the Speaker saw him discharging his responsibilities quite impartially. The Opposition had no complaints against him as he gave them adequate time.
Governor Professor Ganeshi Lal, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, senior BJD leader Prafulla Ghadai, senior BJP leader Bijoy Mohapatra and many others condoled the death of Patro.
