BJD leader Susanta Singh, former Odisha Minister, dies at 53
Synopsis
Susanta Singh, a three-term BJD MLA from Bhatli and former Odisha minister who held the Labour, Energy, and Rural Development portfolios, has died at 53 after a battle with Motor Neurone Disease. His death draws condolences from both Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik — a rare moment of bipartisan mourning in a state where political rivalries run deep.
Key Takeaways
Susanta Singh , senior BJD leader and former Odisha Minister, passed away on 27 July at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar .
He was 53 years old and had been suffering from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) .
Singh was a three-term MLA from Bhatli constituency , Baragada district , elected in 2009 , 2014 , and 2019 .
He held ministerial portfolios including Labour , Energy , and Rural Development between 2017 and 2022 .
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and former CM Naveen Patnaik both extended condolences across party lines.
His last rites will be performed in Baragada ; mortal remains to be taken to the Assembly and BJD office for public darshan.
Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Odisha Minister Susanta Singh passed away in the early hours of Monday, 27 July at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, following a prolonged battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). He was 53 years old.
Health Deterioration and Hospitalisation
According to family sources, Singh had been living with Motor Neurone Disease for some time. His condition worsened significantly late on Sunday night, prompting his admission to the private hospital, where he succumbed to the illness in the early morning hours.
Political Career and Legacy
Singh was a three-term legislator, having won the Bhatli constituency in Baragada district in the 2009, 2014, and 2019 Odisha Legislative Assembly elections. During the BJD government's tenure, he held several significant ministerial portfolios between 2017 and 2022, including Labour and Employees' State Insurance, Energy, and Rural Development. Beyond his legislative role, Singh was regarded as a skilled party organiser who held various positions within the BJD structure throughout his political career.
Last Rites and Final Journey
According to reports, Singh's mortal remains will be taken to the Odisha Legislative Assembly premises and the BJD party office for public last darshan before his final rites are performed in Baragada, his home district.
Condolences Pour In Across Party Lines
Leaders cutting across political affiliations offered their tributes. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, posting on his X handle, said: 'I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of senior leader and former Minister of the Odisha Government, Susanta Singh. I pray to Lord Shri Jagannath for the eternal peace of the departed soul and extend my condolences to the bereaved family members. Om Shanti.'
BJD President and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also expressed grief, saying: 'I am deeply saddened to learn the passing of former minister and senior Biju Janata Dal member Susanta Singh. With his demise, the party has lost a skilled organizer and a popular leader. His contributions to strengthening the Biju Janata Dal, along with his service to the people, will always remain memorable. While praying for the eternal peace of his departed soul, I also extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members during this sorrowful time.'
Singh's death marks the loss of one of the BJD's most experienced organisers, and the party will look to honour his legacy as it navigates a changed political landscape in Odisha.
Point of View
The bipartisan condolences from Chief Minister Majhi and opposition leader Patnaik underscore Singh's standing as one of the few figures respected across the aisle in a state where the BJP-BJD rivalry has intensified sharply since 2024. For the BJD, already regrouping after losing power, the loss of an experienced organiser and three-term legislator from Baragada creates a real grassroots vacuum. The party's ability to rebuild in western Odisha — Singh's home turf — will be tested sooner than expected.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Susanta Singh?
Susanta Singh was a senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Odisha government minister who represented the Bhatli constituency in Baragada district for three consecutive terms — in 2009, 2014, and 2019. He held the Labour, Energy, and Rural Development portfolios between 2017 and 2022.
How did Susanta Singh die?
Susanta Singh died from complications related to Motor Neurone Disease (MND), according to family sources. His health deteriorated sharply on Sunday night, leading to his hospitalisation at a private facility in Bhubaneswar, where he passed away in the early hours of Monday, 27 July. He was 53.
What is Motor Neurone Disease?
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive neurological condition that attacks the motor neurones — the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control muscle movement. There is currently no cure, and the disease typically leads to increasing paralysis. It is the same condition that affected physicist Stephen Hawking.
Who offered condolences on Susanta Singh's death?
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi posted his condolences on X, praying for the departed soul and expressing grief to the family. BJD President and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also issued a statement calling Singh 'a skilled organizer and a popular leader' whose contributions to the party would remain memorable.
Where will Susanta Singh's last rites be performed?
According to reports, Singh's mortal remains will first be taken to the Odisha Legislative Assembly premises and the BJD party office in Bhubaneswar for public last darshan. His final rites will then be conducted in Baragada, his home district.
