Odisha politics is mourning the loss of one of its most respected veteran leaders, former minister, and acclaimed writer, Ras Bihari Behera, who passed away at his residence in Bhavanipatna following a prolonged illness. He was 88.
Born on April 12, 1938, the late leader had a distinguished career spanning both state and national politics. Behera was elected twice as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Koksara assembly constituency in 1977 and 1985. During his tenure, he served with distinction as the Minister for Agriculture, Cooperation, and Tribal Development in the state cabinet. Expanding his footprint to national politics, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Kalahandi Lok Sabha constituency in 1980.
Beyond his political achievements, Behera was a passionate litterateur and cultural stalwart. He earned widespread acclaim as a novelist, penning notable works such as Bijayee and Ananya Srushti Canada, which cemented his legacy in Odia literature. His profound literary and cultural contributions earned him prestigious honours, including the Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award, Kalahandi Baraputra Sanmana, and Mahavir Sanmana. A visionary organiser, he was instrumental in founding prominent cultural institutions like the Kalahandi Lekhak Kala Parishad and the Mahavir Sanskrutika Anusthan, tirelessly promoting the art, culture, and traditions of the region.
Condolences poured in from across the state as political leaders, literary figures, and social organisations paid rich tributes to the departed soul. PCC President Bhakta Charan Das, former ministers Bhupinder Singh and Jagannath Patnaik, MP Sujit Kumar, MLAs, and local organisation leaders expressed profound grief over his demise, offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
