Bhubaneswar, 25 August (H.S.): Former Baliguda legislator and prominent Kutia Kondh leader Karendra Majhi passed away late Sunday night while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar.

Majhi, who represented Baliguda in the Odisha Legislative Assembly twice, in 2004 and 2009, was widely respected for his contributions to politics, literature, and community welfare. Notably, he was the first postgraduate from the Kutia Kondh community and also authored three books in Kui language, earning recognition as a cultural and literary figure.

The news of his demise has cast a pall of gloom across Kandhamal district, where he was regarded as a leading voice of the tribal community.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, BJP state president Manmohan Samal, and several senior leaders paid homage to the late leader at Capital Hospital, where his body was kept for public viewing.

According to official arrangements, Majhi’s mortal remains will be taken to the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Monday morning for a state honour ceremony, where MLAs will pay floral tributes. Later, his body will be shifted to the BJP state headquarters, where party leaders and dignitaries will offer their last respects. The Chief Minister is also scheduled to visit the party office to pay homage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda