Bhubaneswar, Sept 3: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday paid tribute to former Odisha Assembly Speaker and Digapahandi MLA Surjya Narayan Patro at his residence in Bhubaneswar.
Earlier on Saturday, Patnaik condoled the demise of Patro and said, “Deeply saddened to hear the demise of former speaker, minister and senior leader of Biju Janata Dal, MLA Surya Narayan Patro. His dedicated life in the service of the people of Ganjam will always be remembered. His valuable contribution in organizing the Biju Janata Dal will remain as an inspiration to all of us. This is an irreparable loss for Odisha politics and the party. May his soul rest in peace and my condolences to the bereaved family members.”
Notably, Patro breathed his last at a private hospital here on Saturday at the age of 75 years. He was admitted to the hospital after his health deteriorated.
Patro, a seven-time MLA, was a sitting MLA of Biju Janata Dal representing Digapahandi Assembly Constituency.
He was Speaker of Odisha Legislative Assembly. In June 2022, he resigned from the Speaker post.
He had also served as a Minister during Naveen Patnaik and Biju Patnaik governments in the state.
