Berhampur: The mortal remains of former Odisha Assembly Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro were consigned to flames with state honours at his native place in Ganjam’s Digapahandi Sunday.
Thousands of people cutting across party lines bade a tearful adieu to the departed leader.
Earlier today, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik paid his last respects to Patro at his residence in Nayapalli area of Bhubaneswar along with several others from BJD, BJP and Congress.
Also read: Patnaik visits Patro’s house, pays last respect to party leader
Patro, a seven-term MLA, had died Saturday evening at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar at the age of 75.
Born December 24, 1948 in Ganjam’s Berhampur, he completed his graduation in Science and LLB followed by social service before joining politics. In 1977, he became a municipal councillor of Berhampur and never looked back.
Patro was the sitting MLA from Digapahandi Assembly constituency. He was closely associated with legendary political leader late Biju Patnaik and later his son and incumbent Chief Minister Naveen.
During his political career spanning over three decades, he held several important portfolios in both Biju Patnaik and Naveen Patnaik Cabinets.
PNN
