Former Minister Samir Dey passed away while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Cuttack. He was 67 years old, and doctors at the hospital confirmed his death. As a result, his passing has cast a shadow of mourning across various communities.
Samir Dey, the former BJP leader and ex-Minister of Urban Development and Higher Education, had been suffering from prolonged illness. Specifically, he had been diagnosed with pneumonia, kidney issues, and high blood pressure. Despite the doctors’ best efforts, the veteran leader passed away today.
In response to his death, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his grief in a condolence message. He described Dey as a popular public leader and a strong organizer who made significant contributions to the state’s development. “As the Minister of Higher Education and Urban Development, he played a key role in the progress of the state. Moreover, he was loved by people from all walks of life for his friendly nature,” said the Chief Minister. Additionally, Majhi highlighted Dey’s crucial role in strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Cuttack and across Odisha. Consequently, the Chief Minister ordered that Dey’s final rites be conducted with full national honours.
Several prominent figures, including Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Deputy Chief Minister Phamagi Parida, BJP National Vice President MP Baijayant Panda, MP Bhartrahari Mahatab, and senior leader Sameer Mohanty, also expressed their condolences.
Samir Dey was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly three times, securing victories in the 1995, 2000, and 2004 elections from the Cuttack City Assembly seat on a BJP ticket. Furthermore, he served as the Minister of Urban Development from 2000 to 2004 and as the Minister of Higher Education from 2004 to 2009.