Former Odisha MLA George Tirkey Passes Away at 67

Swift summary

• George Tirkey, former Odisha MLA and trade union leader, passed away at the age of 67 on September 20, 2025.
• He was undergoing treatment for multiple health issues at a hospital for the past three months.
• His last rites will be conducted at his ancestral village Jhunmur in Sundergarh district.
• Tirkey served as an MLA for four terms (1995, 2000, 2009, and 2014) from Biramitrapur constituency in Sundergarh district.
• A prominent tribal leader,he was elected twice on a JMM ticket and once each as an Self-reliant candidate and a nominee of Samata Kranti Dal – which he founded.
• His son Rohit Joseph Tirkey is the current MLA from Biramitrapur (elected in 2024 on a BJD ticket).
• Odisha leaders such as CM Naveen Patnaik, Deputy CM K.V. Singh Deo, and OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das paid tribute to him and highlighted his dedication to public service.

Image: File photo of George Tirkey; Source: Special Arrangement

Indian Opinion Analysis

george Tirkey’s passing represents the end of an era in Odisha’s socio-political landscape marked by decades-long advocacy for tribal rights and grassroots leadership.His ability to win elections under diverse platforms speaks to his unwavering connection with constituents across ideological divides-a reflection of tribal empowerment crucial in regions like Sundergarh.

Tirkey’s contributions resonate amidst broader conversations about empowering marginalized communities within India’s democratic framework. His legacy may influence future political discourse concerning tribal welfare policies not only provincially but also nationally. The continuity provided by his son’s leadership offers potential stability within this space.

The expressions of grief spanning political parties illustrate rare unanimity regarding respect for principled politicians nonetheless of affiliations-a remark-worthy moment underscoring bipartisanship during collective tragedies.

read More: The Hindu