Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Veteran politician, sports personality Birkesari Deo passes away

Daily News Analysis, Sept 2, 2012

Veteran politician and sports personality Birkesari Deo died inOdisha on Sunday due to old age related ailments, family sources said.
A former member of Rajya Sabhaand two time MLA, Deo (85) was the second son of former 'Maharaja' ofKalahandi princely stateBrajamohan Deo. He is survived by four sons and two daughters.
Deo's elder brother Pratap KesariDeo was the last crown prince ofKalahandi.
He was elected to Orissa assembly as a 'Ganatantra Parishad' candidate from Dharamgarh and Madanpur Rampur assembly constituency between 1957-67 and was the Rajya Sabha member from 1970-76.
A prominent game organiser as well as sportsman, Deo was considered as a living encyclopedia of Kalahandi district. He had immense contribution for popularity of cricket, football and tennis in Kalahandi district and was the founder of Kalahandi cricket club.As news of his death spread, thousands of people from different walks of life rushed to his Birkesari Bhawanresidence and attended the last rites at the nearby crematorium braving heavy downpour.

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