Former Union Minister Kamakhya Prasad Singh Deo was felicitated with the prestigious Kapilash Samman on the valedictory day of the 17th Dhenkanal Mahotsav here on Wednesday.
During the previous years, the District Council Of Culture have felicitated many personalities like Padma Shree Arnada Sankar Ray, Chief Justice Gati Krushna Mishra, scientist Dr Nrusigha Charan Panda and former Chief Minister Nandini Satpathy, but it had never dared to promote the name of KP Singh Deo for his Congress link.
However, this year, the district administration found no risk to accept the proposal of the award committee as Singh Deo is no more active in Congress politics.
Besides, forgetting political rivalry of last four decades, senior BJD leader and MP Tathagata Satpathy shared the stage with Singh Deo. Both the opposite party leaders embraced each other while Singh Deo described Satpathy as one of the best parliamentarian, who speaks for the country in House.
District Collector Rupa Roshan Sahu presided over the function.