Akshay Acharya, a two-term former member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, has died aged 78. The veteran Congress politician passed away late on Thursday while being taken from Nilgiri to the main hospital in Baleshwar after experiencing severe chest pain. He had been undergoing treatment for cancer.
Akshay Acharya passes away aged 78
Mr Acharya was first elected to the state assembly from Nilgiri in the 1980 election and later returned to the legislature for a second term in 1990. He joined the Indian National Congress in 1969 and contested the 1980 Odisha assembly election as a candidate of Indira Congress from the Nilgiri constituency. His political career spanned several decades during which he remained an active figure in local politics.
According to local reports, Mr Acharya complained of chest pain on Thursday night and was initially taken to Nilgiri Hospital. As his condition deteriorated he was being transferred to the chief medical facility in Baleshwar but died en route. He had been receiving treatment for cancer in recent months.
Locals and political colleagues recalled Mr Acharya for his contributions to development projects in the Nilgiri electoral division. He is credited with a number of local initiatives aimed at improving basic infrastructure and public services. Community leaders said his work left a lasting impression on the constituency.
On Friday morning, Mr Acharya’s mortal remains lay in Nilgiri where a steady stream of mourners visited to pay their respects. Present at the condolence gathering were Nilgiri MLA Santosh Khatuwa, former MLA Sukant Kumar Nayak, Congress youth leader Ashish Pattnaik, and many other leaders, citizens, intellectuals and legal professionals. Floral tributes were placed and speakers described the loss as a deep one for the region.
Colleagues remembered Mr Acharya as a seasoned politician and an influential local figure. “His departure is an irreparable loss for Nilgiri,” said one local intellectual. Accounts from those who worked with him noted his commitment to constituency development and his accessibility to ordinary residents.
Mr Acharya was born in the late 1940s and entered politics as a young activist. His affiliation with the Indian National Congress began in 1969 and he rose to prominence in local circles before winning assembly elections in the 1980s and 1990s. During his tenure he focused on village-level public works, education and local health services.
Funeral arrangements and final rites were expected to follow local customs, with family members and party colleagues to announce specific timings. The Congress party and local administration were making preparations to ensure dignified observances.
While Mr Acharya’s passing marks the end of a long political career, those who knew him said his commitment to public service will be remembered by many in Nilgiri and the wider Baleshwar district. Tributes are likely to continue as officials and residents reflect on his contributions to the constituency he represented.
Key Takeaways:
- Akshay Acharya, two-term former MLA from Nilgiri in Odisha, has died at 78 after battling cancer.
- He served as an MLA during 1980–85 and 1990–95 and joined the Indian National Congress in 1969.
- Acharya was noted for development work in Nilgiri and drew condolences from local leaders, intellectuals and residents.
