Anant Nayak: A Dedicated Public Representative and BJP Leader

Birth: May 1, 1969, Langalkanti village, Kendujhar district, Odisha Political Party: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

Anant Nayak, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Member of Parliament from the Keonjhar (ST) constituency in Odisha, is recognized as a dedicated public representative in Indian politics. His political journey, marked by social commitment and efforts for the upliftment of tribal communities, distinguishes him as a notable leader.

Early Life and Education

Anant Nayak was born on May 1, 1969, in Langalkanti village of Kendujhar district, Odisha. His father, Panu Nayak, and mother, Gura Nayak, belonged to a humble background. He completed his early education in local schools and later pursued a diploma in Mechanical Engineering from BOSE, Cuttack. Post his education, he worked as an engineer at the Rourkela Steel Plant of the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) from 1993 to 1999. During this period, he actively participated in social work, notably in relief efforts following the 1999 super cyclone in the Anandpur subdivision.

Political Career

Anant Nayak’s Entry into Politics

Anant Nayak entered politics in 1999 at the age of 30, winning the Keonjhar (ST) Lok Sabha seat and becoming a member of the 13th Lok Sabha. He was re-elected in 2004, serving in the 14th Lok Sabha. During his tenure, he actively participated in various parliamentary committees related to industry, human resource development, welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, labor, environment, and railways.

Remarkable Comeback in 2024

From 2009 to 2019, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) held the Keonjhar seat. However, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Anant Nayak made a significant comeback by contesting on a BJP ticket and defeating BJD’s Dhanurjaya Sidu by a margin of 97,042 votes. He secured a total of 573,923 votes, while Sidu received 476,881 votes.

Parliamentary Engagement

In the 18th Lok Sabha, Anant Nayak maintained a 96% attendance rate, surpassing the national average of 87%. He participated in 14 debates and raised 45 questions, focusing on issues related to health, education, railways, and tribal affairs. Notably, he advocated for railway projects in Keonjhar, the establishment of a trauma center, and the need for a mega steel plant in the region.

Social and Political Commitment

Anant Nayak serves as the National President of the BJP’s Tribal Morcha. On February 24, 2021, he was appointed as a member of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes under Article 338A of the Indian Constitution. His dedication to the rights and welfare of tribal communities underscores his role as a committed leader.

Personal Life

Anant Nayak married Labangalata Nayak on May 12, 1998. His wife is a homemaker. According to his election affidavit, his total assets amount to ₹84.9 lakh, with liabilities of ₹1.8 lakh. He has declared an annual income of ₹42.7 lakh. He has one pending criminal case, which is not of a serious nature.

Conclusion

Anant Nayak’s political journey exemplifies dedication, commitment, and public service. His active participation in parliament, sensitivity towards tribal communities, and involvement in social work establish him as an ideal public representative. His contributions to the development and welfare of the Keonjhar region in Odisha are noteworthy.