Veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister Kanhu Charan Lenka passed away on Friday at the age of 86 while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. His demise marks the end of a long and distinguished public life spanning both state and national politics.
According to sources close to the family, Lenka had been unwell for some time and was under medical supervision. He breathed his last in the state capital, where several political leaders and supporters expressed grief and paid tribute to his contributions to public service.
Lenka played a significant role in Odisha politics and represented the Choudwar Assembly constituency as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from 1995 to 2000. Known for his organisational strength and administrative experience, he remained an influential voice within the Congress party for decades.
At the national level, he served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from 1988 to 1994. During his tenure in the Union government led by former Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao, Lenka held responsibilities as Minister of State for Railways and later for Agriculture. His ministerial roles placed him at the centre of key policy areas linked to infrastructure and the rural economy.
Colleagues remember him as a grounded mass leader who maintained strong connections with grassroots workers and constituents. Condolence messages from across party lines highlighted his simple lifestyle, political commitment, and long record of legislative and ministerial service.
His passing is being widely mourned in Odisha, especially in Cuttack district and surrounding regions where he had built a strong support base over the years.
