Bibhuti Bhusan Singh Mardaraj, a prominent former Odisha minister, ex-deputy speaker, and scion of Khandapada’s royal family, passed away at 70 in a private Bhubaneswar hospital at 12:30 AM on Thursday. Mardaraj succumbed to cardiac-related complications after days of treatment, leaving behind his wife, son, and daughter, his family confirmed.
A three-time MLA from Khandapada constituency (1980, 1985, 1995), Mardaraj was a towering figure in Odisha’s political landscape, primarily associated with the Indian National Congress before briefly aligning as an independent. He served as a minister and as deputy speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly from 1996 to 2000, earning respect for his public service and governance contributions.
As the titular Raja of Khandapada Gada, he upheld a centuries-old legacy, notably participating in the sacred Chhera Pahanra ritual during Khandapada’s Rath Yatra, a duty his son, Yuvraj Siddharth Sekhar Singh, performed in 2025 due to Mardaraj’s declining health.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief, stating on X, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Bibhuti Bhusan Singh Mardaraj. I pray to Lord Jagannath for the eternal peace of the departed soul. Om Shanti.” Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik also condoled, noting Mardaraj’s “probity in public life” and contributions to nation-building. Political leaders across parties, including Congress and BJD, paid tributes, with many visiting the hospital to honor the veteran leader.
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Mardaraj’s son, Siddharth Sekhar Singh, a former BJD MLA (2009), continues the family’s political legacy. The Khandapada royal family, tracing its roots to Raja Niladri Singh Mardaraj (1780–1790), remains a cultural cornerstone, with Mardaraj’s contributions to Odisha’s heritage widely lauded. X posts reflect public mourning, with users highlighting his humility and service to Khandapada.
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