Kahnu Charan Lenka, an Indian politician and senior Odia political figure, died on February 13, 2026, at the age of 86.
He was a prominent figure in the Odisha Congress and was twice elected to the Rajya Sabha from Odisha. Lenka also served as an elected member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly for four terms, in 1971, 1974, 1980 and 1995.
He began his political career during his student years at Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, and later became active in youth organisations, social workers associations and labour unions including INTUC and Hind Mazdoor Sabha. He also served as Minister of State for Railways and Union Minister of State for Agriculture under Narasimha Rao.
Kanhu Charan Lenka (2 March 1939 – 13 February 2026), also spelt Kanu, was an Indian politician and a senior Odia political figure of the Odisha Congress (the provincial party unit of the Indian National Congress). He was twice elected to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India from Odisha. He also served as an elected member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly for four terms (1971, 1974, 1980 and 1995).