George Tirkey, a prominent trade union leader and four-time MLA from Odisha's Sundergarh district, died early Saturday at the age of 67, his family confirmed. Tirkey, a vocal advocate for tribal rights and grassroots development, had been battling multiple health complications and receiving treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar for the past three months. His passing marks the end of an era in Odisha's tribal politics, where he emerged as a steadfast representative of the marginalised Adivasi communities in the state's mineral-rich western belt.

Turkey's political journey began in 1995 when he first won the Biramitrapur assembly seat, a constituency dominated by Sundergarh's iron ore mining economy and tribal populations. He secured victories in 1995, 2000, and 2009 on a Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) ticket, reflecting his alignment with regional ethnic movements. In 2014, he triumphed as an Independent and later founded the Samata Kranti Dal to further amplify local voices.

Beyond electoral politics, Tirkey's trade union activism focused on workers' welfare in mining sectors, often bridging labour disputes and community advocacy. His son, Rohit Joseph Tirkey, carried forward the legacy by winning the Biramitrapur seat in 2024 on a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ticket, ensuring the family's continued influence in the region.

Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, underscoring Tirkey's cross-party respect. BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik mourned the loss on X, stating, "His lifelong contribution to public service is unparalleled. His work for the welfare of the people will always be remembered."

Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo highlighted Tirkey's "deep commitment to tribal rights, grassroots leadership, and principled politics," adding that "Odisha has lost a dedicated son of the soil." Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das echoed the sentiments, praying for peace to Tirkey's soul and offering condolences to the family.

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Tirkey's last rites will be performed at his ancestral village of Jhunmur in Sundergarh district, where he had deep roots among the Munda and other indigenous groups. His death comes at a time when Odisha's tribal representation in the assembly remains crucial, with Adivasis comprising over 22% of the state's population. Throughout his career, Tirkey championed issues like land rights, education access, and economic empowerment for mining-affected communities, leaving a blueprint for future leaders.

As flags fly at half-mast in Biramitrapur, his legacy of resilience and service endures, inspiring ongoing struggles for equity in one of India's most resource-endowed yet underserved regions.

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