Former Odisha Minister and senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Sushant Singh, the sitting MLA from Bhatli Assembly constituency, passed away late on Monday night while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. He breathed his last at Apollo Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of public service spanning over a decade.

A three-time MLA from Bhatli in Bargarh district, Sushant Singh was regarded as one of the most influential political leaders in western Odisha. His demise has cast a pall of gloom over the state’s political circles, with leaders across party lines expressing condolences and paying tribute to his contributions to public life.

Born in Bausenmura village under Sohela block in Bargarh district, Sushant Singh was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly from the Bhatli constituency in 2009, 2014 and 2019, securing three consecutive terms. During his political career, he earned recognition for his close connect with the people and his focus on development initiatives in his constituency.

In the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government, Sushant Singh held several key portfolios, including Minister for Labour & Employees’ State Insurance and later Minister for Rural Development. He also served as the Chairman of the Bargarh District Planning Committee, playing a significant role in planning and implementing development projects in the district.

Known for his grassroots leadership and organisational skills, Singh remained one of the prominent faces of the BJD in western Odisha. His political career was marked by efforts to improve rural infrastructure, strengthen welfare programmes and address public grievances.

Following news of his demise, tributes poured in from political leaders, party workers and supporters. Leaders from the BJD as well as other political parties expressed deep sorrow and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family, remembering Singh as a dedicated public representative who worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people.

His passing is being widely mourned across Bargarh district and other parts of western Odisha, where he enjoyed considerable public support and respect. His death marks the end of an important chapter in Odisha politics, particularly in the Bhatli constituency, where he remained a popular and influential leader for over 15 years.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Odisha on a three-day tour beginning late on July 3. During his visit, he will inaugurate major development projects and participate in several public programmes across western Odisha.

The highlight of the visit will be the inauguration of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited’s (BPCL) ₹1,750-crore bio-ethanol plant at Baulsingha in Bargarh district on July 4. The project, whose foundation stone was laid earlier by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, is expected to become a major industrial hub in the region.

According to the itinerary, Amit Shah will land at Jharsuguda Airport and travel directly to Baulsingha to inaugurate the ethanol refinery. He will later address a large public meeting. The plant, equipped with first-generation (1G) and second-generation (2G) bio-ethanol production technology, is expected to generate employment opportunities for local youth while supporting the Centre’s clean energy initiative.

The refinery is also expected to benefit farmers in Bargarh and nearby districts. Farmers will be able to sell paddy straw and other agricultural residue, which is usually discarded after harvest, to the plant, creating an additional source of income while reducing crop residue burning.

On July 4 and 5, the Union Home Minister will attend several programmes in western Odisha and Badamba. In Sambalpur, he is scheduled to launch the beautification and expansion work of the Greater Ring Road. He will also address public meetings highlighting the achievements of the Central Government over the past 12 years and the performance of the BJP government in Odisha.

Preparations for the high-profile visit are underway, with party workers and the local administration making arrangements for the events. Amit Shah’s visit is being seen as significant for both development and political outreach in Odisha, particularly in western districts, where infrastructure, industrial growth and farmer welfare are expected to receive major attention.