MLA Utkal Keshari Parida Died

Former Odisha MLA from Kendrapara, Utkal Keshari Parida, passed away today at the age of 65. He breathed his last at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, as confirmed by family sources. A prominent political figure in Odisha, Parida had a long and distinguished career in public service and remained active in various capacities even after his tenure as an MLA.

Utkal Keshari Parida Political Journey

Utkal Keshari Parida’s political journey began during his college years. He first emerged as a student leader, serving as the President of the Salipur College Students’ Union during the academic year of 1980-81. His leadership qualities were evident even at a young age, and his involvement in student politics laid the foundation for his future in state politics.

Parida was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly from Kendrapara in the 2004 elections on an Odisha Gana Parishad (OGP) ticket. He won the election with a total of 60,848 votes, defeating BJP candidate Bed Prakash Agarwal. This victory marked a significant moment in his career, as it solidified his place as a respected and influential leader in Odisha’s political landscape.

Contributions Beyond Politics

Although Parida was widely known for his political work, his contributions extended far beyond that. In 2021, he was unanimously elected as the Vice President of the Odisha Archery Association, highlighting his commitment to promoting sports in the state. His leadership in the association reflected his desire to support the youth and promote regional talent in archery, a sport that holds cultural significance in Odisha.

In addition to his involvement in sports, Parida also held the position of Director at the Jute Marketing Co-operative Society, where he played a key role in supporting the jute industry, an important economic sector in the region. His work in this field helped improve the livelihoods of many farmers and traders associated with jute production.

A Loss for Kendrapara and Odisha

Parida’s passing marks the end of an era for Kendrapara and Odisha’s political scene. As a former MLA, his work in the region and his advocacy for local development projects earned him respect and admiration from the people. His ability to connect with constituents and address their concerns made him a beloved figure.

Even after his tenure in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Parida remained active in various fields and continued to contribute to the state’s development in multiple capacities. His death is a significant loss not only for his family and close associates but also for the many people whose lives he touched during his time in public service.

FAQs

Q1: Who was Utkal Keshari Parida?

Utkal Keshari Parida was a former Odisha MLA from Kendrapara, elected in 2004 on an Odisha Gana Parishad (OGP) ticket. He was a respected political leader known for his contributions to politics, sports, and agriculture in Odisha.

Q2: When did Utkal Keshari Parida pass away?

Utkal Keshari Parida passed away today at the age of 65 at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar.

Q3: What was Utkal Keshari Parida’s political background?

Parida started his political career during his college years and was elected as MLA in 2004. He also served as the President of Salipur College Students’ Union in 1980-81.

Q4: What other roles did Utkal Keshari Parida hold?

Besides being an MLA, Parida was the Vice President of the Odisha Archery Association and held the position of Director at the Jute Marketing Co-operative Society.