Sat Sep 20 06:51:41 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

This article reports on the death of George Tirkey, a prominent trade union leader and former four-time MLA from the Biramitrapur constituency in Odisha, India. Tirkey, 67, passed away in a hospital after a three-month illness. He was a popular tribal leader elected on multiple party tickets, including the JMM, as an independent, and for his own Samata Kranti Dal. Condolences have poured in from prominent political figures, including former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo, acknowledging his significant contributions to public service and tribal rights.

**News Article:**

**Former Odisha MLA and Tribal Leader George Tirkey Passes Away at 67**

**Bhubaneswar, India – September 20, 2025** – George Tirkey, a respected trade union leader and former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Odisha’s Biramitrapur constituency, has died at the age of 67. Tirkey passed away early Saturday morning after battling health issues in a Bhubaneswar hospital for the past three months.

Tirkey served four terms as an MLA, representing Biramitrapur in Sundergarh district in 1995, 2000, 2009, and 2014. He was a popular figure known for his work advocating for tribal rights and grassroots leadership. Notably, he was elected on tickets from multiple political parties, including the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), as an independent candidate, and as the founder of the Samata Kranti Dal. His son, Rohit Joseph Tirkey, currently holds the Biramitrapur seat under the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) banner.

News of Tirkey’s passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum. Former Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik expressed his sorrow on X, stating, “His lifelong contribution to public service is unparalleled. His work for the welfare of the people will always be remembered.”

Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo lauded Tirkey’s dedication to tribal rights, calling him “a respected voice from Sundergarh” and “a dedicated son of the soil.” Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das also expressed his condolences.

Tirkey’s last rites will be performed at his ancestral village of Jhunmur in Sundergarh district. He is survived by [mention surviving family if the information is available]. His legacy as a champion for tribal rights and a dedicated public servant will be remembered by the people of Odisha.

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