Nilamani Routray

Shri Nilamani Routray , the ex-Chief Minister of Orissa was born on 24th May 1920 to father Chandrasekhar Routray at Mukundpur of Balasore district. Graduated in Arts and Law he married to Nalini Devi Routray. He was the Editor of Odia daily ‘The Prajatantra’ who keeps interest in political history and national and international politics. He was strong leader and freedom fighter; dedicated force in trade union movements. He is one of the founders of All India Student’s Federation of Orissa region. He became Chief Minister of Orissa from 26th June 1977 to 17th February 1980.

Shir Nilamani Routray was the Secretary of Oriya Samaj of Calcutta. He jailed several time in freedom struggle and political activities. In the year 1948 he organized the Orissa branch of Indian National Trade Union Congress and became its General Secretary and later President. During 1967 to 1970 he was the President of OPCC, president of UC and state unit of Bharatiya Lok Dal. He became Member of Orissa Legislative Assembly from 1948 to 1967, from 1971 to 1973 and from June 1977 to February 1980; and also became Minister from 1952 to 1957, 1957 to 1963 and from 1965 to 1967. He became Deputy Chief Minister from 1963 to 1965 and 1972 to February 1973 (resigned from the post).

Shir Nilamani Routray elected to Rajya Sabha on 1976 and became Chilef Minister from 26th June 1977 to 17th February 1980. He breathed last on 4th October 2004.