George Tirkey, one of Odisha’s most influential tribal leaders and a four-time MLA, passed away on Saturday at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar.
He was 67 and had been battling a prolonged illness for several months.
Champion of Tribal Rights
Known for his deep connection to the grassroots, Tirkey was more than a politician — he was a movement in himself. A fierce advocate for the rights and welfare of Odisha’s tribal communities, he became the voice of the marginalised in Sundargarh district and beyond.
Throughout his career, he built a reputation as a fearless leader who often stood above party politics. Tirkey contested and won elections on multiple platforms — including Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Samata Kranti Dal, and even as an independent candidate — earning the respect of supporters across political divides.
Political Journey and Milestones
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1995 & 2000: Elected consecutively as an MLA on a JMM ticket.
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2009: Won the Assembly elections as an independent candidate.
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2014: Returned to the Assembly representing the Samata Kranti Dal.
His political journey was defined by his ability to mobilise people and champion indigenous rights, particularly land and livelihood issues.
A Legacy That Lives On
George Tirkey’s passing is widely seen as the end of an era in Odisha’s tribal politics. His son, Rohit Tirkey, is currently carrying forward the political legacy as an MLA from Biramitrapur on a BJD ticket.
Tirkey’s decades-long efforts to strengthen the tribal movement have left an enduring impact, inspiring future leaders to continue advocating for indigenous communities.
