Former Union Minister Kanhu Charan Lenka Passes Away At 86
Lenka served as a Rajya Sabha member from 1988 to 1994. During the tenure of the government led by former Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao, he functioned as Union minister of state for railways and later for agriculture
Bhubaneswar: Former Union minister and veteran Congress leader Kanhu Charan Lenka passed away at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on Friday. He was 86.
Lenka, whose political career spanned several decades, held key positions both at the Centre and in Odisha and was regarded as a seasoned parliamentarian.
Lenka served as a Rajya Sabha member from 1988 to 1994. During the tenure of the government led by former Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao, he functioned as Union minister of state for railways and later for agriculture. He subsequently represented Choudwar as an MLA from 1995 to 2000, continuing his public service at the state level.
His mortal remains were brought to the Assembly premises at 12:30 pm to enable leaders and admirers to pay their last respects. The body was then taken to Congress Bhavan and later to his native village Arada in Nakhara. The final rites will be performed at Swargadwar in Puri.
Leaders across party lines expressed grief over Lenka’s demise and recalled his contribution to public life.
Senior Congress leader Sura Routray described his passing as an irreplaceable loss. “This is a huge loss for the Congress party and Odisha. I had known him for over 60 years. I pray for his soul and strength for his family to deal with the loss,” he said.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Das said Lenka dedicated his life to public service and strengthening democratic values. “His contribution to Odisha and the nation will always be remembered,” he stated.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also expressed deep sorrow, offering condolences to the bereaved family and praying for peace for the departed soul.
BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said Lenka’s long political career and commitment to public service would remain memorable, and conveyed his sympathies to the family.
Lenka is remembered by colleagues as a soft-spoken yet firm leader who combined administrative experience with grassroots political engagement, leaving a lasting imprint on Odisha’s political landscape.
