The demise of Samir Dey, a prominent leader of BJP and a former minister, left a void in the Odisha cabinet as the state pays last homage to him on 20th November. This man died at the age of 67 in private hospital as he was suffering from multiple ailments. His health worsened on 1st November while undergoing treatment. He was receiving treatment in a private hospital.
Edged Out In Pankaj Bhattacharya’s Government
His political story has always been filled with controversies. He represented the Cuttack City ad has been an ardent member of the assembly in years 1995, 2000 and 2004 all these elections he contested as a Member of Legislative Assembly from CUTTACK constituency which is for sure an incredibly long period in the Indian politics on the state or national level. His political career is a mixture of ups and downs and extreme devotion to public service, it can be positively said that upon taking retirement his supporters will remember him forever, still leaving his political memoires.
He has been the Minister of Development of Cities for the period 2000 to 2004. He was eye to eye with the vision of Chief Minister at that time, Naveen Patnaik, and took charge as Minister of Education from 2004 till 2009. He spearheaded some measures that personally shaped urban planning especially in this state expanding access of education. For his credentials Eastern India City of Cuttack saw some major reshaping towards modernisation under his leadership.
These sentiments are echoed by numerous prominent political leaders who shared their memories and expressed their grief after Dey passed away.
On the other hand, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida noted that Dey was a prominent campaigner in the Ram Janma Bhoomi movement and someone who maintained direct contact with the people of Cuttack. “His demise is not only a setback for the BJP but also an irreparable loss for the state of Odisha”, she said.
Dey was also remembered by Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab who was impressed with his plans for the development of Cuttack and in particular his bid to put up universities and plants to transform higher education. Mahtab recalled their friendship and working relationship from the year 1998 to 2009 and described Dey as a man of indomitable energy who pushed for development.
Cuttack’s Mayor Subhas Singh categorically pointed out that Dey had active involvement in developing the city and he was able to put aside politics for the benefit of the city. Singh said, “They are being missed but we did not miss to work even if among differing political views during celebrations and festivals. Our differences are being missed but his absence is sorely felt.”
A Visionary Builder Who Enabled Cuttack To Shine
Samir Dey was very passionate about the development of Cuttack in all spheres. During his reign, Cuttack saw the role-out of many infrastructural and basic service related urban projects. More than politics, he engaged himself in developing sports apart from the local community activities in the city by creating a number of football clubs through funding and various sports projects that are going strong today.
A Grief That Stretches Across All The Areas Of Odisha
His involvement in development of Odisha goes beyond his ministerial responsibilities. In his position of a leader of the BJP he assisted in expanding the party’s roots in that region. People’s respect and admiration that he got from them was largely attributed to his extraordinary way of understanding and addressing their grievances.
His news of passing has brought many people into mourning in the state which has received several updates and tributes from numerous people. Only one thing could be relied on with Samir Dey was his determination to see through all the expected hardship for the betterment of society, thus he is a leader with vision that will be adored by many for ages.
Preserving His Memory Throughout History
Samir Dey, who passes on at the age of 67, will be remembered as an accomplished civil servant, educator and an urban administrator. It is people like such that remind future leaders of the necessity to serve the public and put in the required effort for positive transformations in their society.
As Ganesh Puja marks the conclusive affair for Odisha, the state pays respect to one of its adored fellows, Samir Dey and hugely regrets his passing who could actually be called a Sahyogi – a visionary.