Former Odisha Minister Susant Singh died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar early on Monday (July 27, 2026), his family said. Mr. Singh was 53 and had been suffering from a liver-related ailment for a long time, they said.

A prominent leader from western Odisha, Susant Singh represented the Bhatli Assembly constituency for three consecutive terms after winning the elections in 2009, 2014 and 2019 on a BJD ticket. He, however, lost the 2024 Assembly polls to the BJP's Irasis Acharya. Susant Singh served as the Labour and Employment Minister and later as the Rural Development Minister in the Naveen Patnaik government.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Leader of Opposition Patnaik, Deputy CMs K.V. Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, and leaders across party lines condoled his demise. "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of senior leader and former Minister of the Odisha government, Susant Singh. I offer my condolences to the bereaved family members while praying at the feet of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath for the eternal peace of his departed soul. Om Shanti," Mr. Majhi said in a post on social media.

Mr. Patnaik said that with his demise, the BJD lost a skilled organiser 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," he said.

Mr. Singh's mortal remains would be taken to the State Assembly premises for leaders and legislators to pay their last respects before being taken to his native place for the final rites, officials said.

Published - July 27, 2026 12:52 pm IST