The political landscape of Maharashtra, particularly the tribal-dominated region of Nandurbar, is in mourning following the demise of veteran Congress leader and former minister Surupsingh Hirya Naik. He passed away at the age of 88 on Wednesday morning in a private hospital located in Nawapur, Nandurbar.
A Political Journey Rooted in Tribal Welfare
Born on September 10, 1938, in the tribal hamlet of Nawagaon within Nawapur taluka, Surupsingh Naik's political journey began at the grassroots. He was first elected as the sarpanch of Nawagaon in 1962, marking the start of a long and dedicated public life. He later joined the Indian National Congress and rose through the ranks, becoming known as a staunch loyalist of the Gandhi family.
His connection with the party's first family was profound, enjoying close ties with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who once hailed him as a "true servant of the tribals." He also maintained a strong rapport with senior leader Rahul Gandhi. Naik's electoral record was remarkable; he was elected as the MLA from Nawapur for eight consecutive terms starting in 1978, serving as a cabinet minister for a significant period. His long winning streak concluded when he was defeated by former MLA Sharad Gavit in the 2009 assembly elections.
Final Rites and Statewide Condolences
The veteran leader had been unwell for the past few days and was undergoing treatment at the Nawapur hospital where he breathed his last. His final journey will see his last rites performed in his native village of Nawagaon in Nawapur taluka on Thursday morning.
News of his passing prompted an outpouring of grief from senior politicians across the political spectrum. Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed deep sorrow, stating that Naik's death has deprived the state's political arena of an "experienced, people-oriented, sensitive, and guiding leadership." He emphasized that Naik's work for the upliftment of tribal, rural, and deprived communities would never be forgotten.
A Legacy of Steadfast Service and Ideology
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar paid rich tributes on social media platform X. He described Naik's demise as a great loss to both social and political spheres, particularly highlighting his lifelong dedication to the development of tribal society in areas like Nandurbar. "His substantial contributions to education, employment, and tribal upliftment will always be remembered," Pawar wrote. He added a poignant note, "In these times when bastions of loyalty are weakening, I offer heartfelt tributes to late Surupsingh Naik, who remained steadfast to his ideology till his last breath."
The demise of Surupsingh Hirya Naik marks the end of an era in Maharashtra's tribal politics. He is remembered not just as a powerful legislator but as a leader whose identity was intrinsically linked to the welfare and progress of the marginalized communities he represented with unwavering commitment for decades.
