Daijiworld Media Network - Sundergarh 

Sundergarh, Sep 20: Noted trade union leader and former Odisha MLA George Tirkey passed away early on Saturday at the age of 67. Tirkey had been undergoing treatment for several health issues over the past three months and died around 1 am. His last rites will be held at his ancestral village Jhunmur in Sundergarh district.

A four-time MLA from Biramitrapur, Tirkey won elections in 1995, 2000, 2009, and 2014, representing JMM twice, once as an Independent, and once on the Samata Kranti Dal ticket, a party he founded. His son, Rohit Joseph Tirkey, was elected from the same constituency in 2024 on a BJD ticket.

Condoling his demise, Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik said, “His lifelong contribution to public service is unparalleled. His work for the welfare of the people will always be remembered.” Deputy CM K V Singh Deo lauded Tirkey’s commitment to tribal rights and grassroots leadership, while OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das extended condolences to the bereaved family.