Former Odisha Minister Kalindi Behera dies at 71

Former Odisha Minister and BJD’s Vice President Kalindi Behera, passed away at the age of 71 this morning. He breathed his last at the Apollo Hospital in Bhubaneswar at 7:30 AM. The political fraternity and common people in Salepur and Cuttack plunged into grief and despair at the demise of Kalindi Behera.

Born on 29th May, 1944, Kalindi Behera had done his post-graduation. He was an active social worker and contributed to the growth of Odia literature. He also served as a Professor before taking up politics. He was first elected as an MLA on Janata Dal ticket in 1977. He won from Salepur in 1977, 1990, 2000 and 2004. Kalindi Behera was later elected from Cuttack Sadar in 2009. In 2014, his son Chandra Sarathi Behera was elected from Cuttack Sadar, as Kalindi Behera did not contest the polls.

Kalindi Behera was suffering from prolonged illness. He had a long history of diabetics and kidney problems. He had also undergone a bypass surgery in 2002. He was admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after he fell down due to sudden head reeling on January 31. As his conditions worsened, he was shifted to Apollo Hoospital in Bhubaneswar. He was suffering from septicemia and died of multiple organ failure. Kalindi Behera is survived by two sons and two daughters.

Kalindi Behera’s literary works included, Debakanya, Tatini Tata Sahar (Novel), Jeevan Jali Jai, Mayabi Krushna, Shakati Parikshya, Bisa Ahuti, Agni Tapasya, Natak Sanchayan, Semananka Samparka Re, Mlana Sarbari (Dramas), Akankika Sangraha and Oriya Natak ‘O’ Samalochana (Criticism).

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra, PCC President Prasad Harichandan, former PCC Presidents Jayadev Jena and Niranjan Patnaik, Kendrapara Lok Sabha MP Baijayant Panda and many other leaders and intellectuals have condoled the death of Kalindi Behera. His body will be taken to his native village in Salepur where he will be cremated.