A former member of Rajya Sabha and two time MLA, Deo (85) was the second son of former 'Maharaja' of Kalahandi princely state Brajamohan Deo. He is survived by four sons and two daughters.
Deo's elder brother Pratap Kesari Deo was the last crown prince of Kalahandi.
He was elected to Orissa assembly as a 'Ganatantra Parishad' candidate from Dharamgarh and Madanpur Rampur assembly constituency between 1957-67 and was the Rajya Sabha member from 1970-76.
A prominent game organiser as well as sportsman, Deo had made immense contribution in promoting popularity of cricket, football and tennis in Kalahandi district and was the founder of Kalahandi cricket club.
As news of his death spread, thousands of people from different walks of life rushed to his Birkesari Bhawan residence and attended the last rites at the nearby crematorium braving heavy downpour.
