Bhubaneswar, Sept 20: Veteran tribal leader and former Biramitrapur MLA George Tirkey passed away on Friday at the age of 67. He had been undergoing treatment for the past few months and died at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar.

Tirkey was a prominent figure in Odisha's political landscape, known for his work as a labour rights activist and tribal leader. He was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly four times — in 1995, 2000, 2009, and 2014. Over the years, he represented different political affiliations, winning twice on a Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) ticket, once as an Independent, and once from the Samata Kranti Dal.

His demise has left a deep void in Odisha’s tribal and labour movements. Several political leaders and dignitaries have expressed their condolences, mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant and grassroots leader.