Saturday, May 15, 2010
Bhairon Singh Shekhawat Former Vice President died on Saturday of cardiac arrest. He was admitted to a hospital in Jaipur complaining of uneasiness and breathing problems. Dr. Narpat Singh, Superintendent of the hospital, said that 87-year-old Shekhawat breathed his last at 11:10 AM at the Swai Man Singh Hospital. He leaves behind his wife Suraj Kanwar, daughter Ratan Kanwar and three grandchildren.
On the night of 13th May following complaints of lungs and chest infection, the former Vice President was admitted to the ICU of the SMS hospital. Another doctor at the hospital, Ashok Pangaria, said, when his condition deteriorated on Saturday morning, he was put on ventilator. On Sunday the funeral will take place in Jaipur with full state honours.
In his over five decades-long political career, Shekhwat enjoyed the enviable reputation of ‘Ajatshatru’ for having friends across the political spectrum. He was swarn-in as the country’s 12th Vice President on 19th August 2002. Shekhawat won in every assembly election since 1952, except in 1972. He was elected to Rajya Sabha in 1974.
BJP President Nitin Gadkari said, “He was a guiding spirit and pillar of Bharatiya Janata Party. His contribution to the party and the nation will always be remembered”. Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje said, “The death of Shekhawat is not only great loss to the nation but to me also. He was my guide and I have learnt a lot from him. Shekhawat would be remembered as Vikas Purush”.
Shivraj Patil Rajasthan Governor said Shekhawat was a popular political leader who served the nation as well as people through active politics. All the ministers and dignitaries across the nation paid tribute to the departed leader and called him a great visionary.
