Sugnana Kumari, who belonged to the royal family of Khallikote, was the daughter-in-law of Rama Chandra Mardaraj Deo
Veteran Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and Odisha’s longest-serving legislator, V Sugnana Kumari Deo, passed away late on Friday night at a private hospital in Chennai, officials confirmed. She was 87.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik visited the private hospital in Chennai, where she was receiving treatment, to inquire about her health condition. Hospital officials reported that she passed away around 1 am.
Sugnana Kumari, hailing from the royal family of Khallikote, was the daughter-in-law of Rama Chandra Mardaraj Deo, the former king of the princely estate of Khallikote in Ganjam district.
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A 10-time member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Sugnana never accepted ministerial positions, stating that “a queen never becomes a minister.”
Sugnana’s political journey began in 1963 when she was elected as a Congress candidate from the Khallikote constituency, succeeding her late father-in-law Raja Rama. She later joined the Utkal Congress in 1970 and won elections from Khallikote in 1974 and 1977, representing Congress and Janata Party respectively. Subsequently, she won elections from Khallikote in 1985 on a Janata Party ticket and remained undefeated until 2014 when she contested from the Kabisuryanagar assembly constituency on the BJD ticket. She did not contest the 2019 assembly polls.
Born in Chennai on August 5, 1937, to King RVM Neeladi Deo, Sugnana had an illustrious academic background, obtaining her MA in Social Work from Madras University.
Condolences poured in from various quarters following her demise.
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“I am saddened to hear about the demise of Sugyana Kumari Deo, a prominent politician. As a senior leader of the Biju Janata Dal, she played a crucial role in organizing the party. She has made significant contributions to public service by representing Khalikot and Kabisuryanagar assembly constituencies ten times. It is an irreparable loss. May her soul rest in peace, and my condolences to the bereaved family members,” expressed Patnaik.
Offering his condolences, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated, “I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of renowned politician, former MLA, and Khallikote queen V Sugnana Kumari Deo. She was a highly respected figure in Odisha. With her passing, Odisha has lost a fearless leader. Her contributions to society as a people’s representative in state politics will always be remembered. May her soul rest in peace! I also extend my sympathy to the bereaved family members. Om Shanti.”
