Former Kantabanji MLA Ayub Khan Passes Away at 78

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Former Kantabanji MLA Haji Md. Ayub Khan passed away at the age of 78.
He had represented Kantabanji both as an Independent and later as a BJD leader.
Naveen Patnaik paid tribute to his contribution to regional development.

Balangir: Senior Biju Janata Dal leader and former Kantabanji MLA Haji Md. Ayub Khan passed away on Wednesday morning at his residence in Kantabanji after a prolonged illness.

He was 78. According to reports, Ayub Khan breathed his last around 8:30 a.m., triggering grief among political leaders, party workers and residents across the region.

Known widely as Ayub Khan, the veteran politician remained one of the most influential faces in Kantabanji politics for nearly two decades.

Ayub Khan Death Marks End of Influential Political Era

Ayub Khan first entered the Odisha Legislative Assembly in 2004 after winning the Kantabanji seat as an Independent candidate.

He later joined the Biju Janata Dal and secured another electoral victory in 2014 as the party’s nominee.

Throughout his political career, Khan built a reputation as a grassroots leader closely associated with local development issues and public welfare initiatives in western Odisha.

Supporters remembered him as a leader who maintained direct contact with residents and remained active in constituency affairs even outside election periods.

Naveen Patnaik Pays Tribute to Ayub Khan

Naveen Patnaik expressed grief over Khan’s demise and described him as a skilled organiser and compassionate public representative.

Patnaik said the developmental work carried out by Ayub Khan in the region would keep his legacy alive for years.

He also spoke to Khan’s son, Dr Amjad Alli Khan, and extended condolences to the bereaved family.

The tribute reflects Khan’s importance within the BJD structure, especially in western Odisha where he played a key role in strengthening the party’s organisational base.

Ayub Khan’s Political Influence Extended Beyond Elections

Ayub Khan’s influence in Kantabanji went beyond electoral politics.

His political journey reflected the rise of regional grassroots leadership in Odisha, where local credibility and personal outreach often shaped long-term voter loyalty more strongly than broader political narratives.

The second-order effect of his passing could be felt in local political equations, particularly in Kantabanji where leadership transitions may reshape future party dynamics and constituency-level influence within the BJD.

For many residents, Khan represented continuity in regional politics during periods of changing political alignments in Odisha.

Leaders and Supporters Mourn Veteran BJD Leader

Political leaders across party lines, local supporters and residents paid tribute to Ayub Khan following news of his death.

His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Kantabanji’s political history, leaving behind a legacy tied to public service, constituency development and grassroots political engagement.

Also Read | NEET UG 2026 Cancelled as NTA Orders Re-Examination, CBI Probe Ordered Paper Leak

You May Like

Trending Searches Today |

Amazon Online Shopping

Bestseller #1