Sundargarh, Odisha — National vice‑president of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and veteran left‑wing trade unionist Bishnu Mohanty died on Saturday, 10 May 2026, at the age of 76.

Background

Bishnu Mohanty had been a prominent figure in Odisha’s trade‑union movement for more than four decades. He served as CITU’s Odisha state general secretary, a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) state secretariat, and sat on the regional board of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation. His leadership was evident in several mass campaigns, notably the prolonged agitation for the Talcher‑Bimlagarh railway line, a project intended to improve freight connectivity for the state’s mineral sector.

For the last four years Mohanty had based himself in Bhubaneswar, dedicating his time to organisational work and mentoring younger activists. He managed diabetes and hypertension, conditions that had required regular medical attention. In early May he developed a swollen leg infected by a minor wound; after a brief foot operation the infection spread to his lungs, and he was admitted to Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences for intensive care.

Community Impact

Mohanty’s death has deeply affected trade‑union circles and the broader community. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dilip Ray, a close acquaintance, described him as a friend and said, “His demise is an irreparable loss for Odisha. Mohanty was a prominent face of the trade‑union movement. Whenever we met, he would talk about the development of Rourkela.”

Colleagues across party lines have recalled his steadfast commitment to workers’ rights and his ability to bridge ideological divides. Many have highlighted his role in negotiating better wages for steel‑plant employees and his advocacy for safety standards in mining operations. The outpouring of condolence messages on social media and in local newspapers reflects the respect he commanded among both labourers and employers.

What Happens Next

The community is now preparing to honour Mohanty’s memory. CITU and the CPI(M) have announced that condolence meetings will be held in Bhubaneswar and Sundargarh in the coming days, and a public funeral is being arranged at his native village. Organisers have indicated that a memorial lecture series on labour rights will be instituted in his name, ensuring that his contributions continue to inspire future generations. The trade‑union movement in Odisha has pledged to carry forward the causes he championed, particularly the completion of the Talcher‑Bimlagarh rail link and the improvement of workers’ health and safety standards.