Former Union Minister Jaswant Singh dies at 82
New Delhi/IBNS: Former Union Minister and veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jaswant Singh died on Sunday. He was 82.
He died at 6:55 AM after suffering a cardiac arrest at Delhi's Army Hospital (Research & Referral) where he was admitted since June.
"It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Honourable Major Jaswant Singh (Retired), former Cabinet Minister of government of India at 0655 hours on 27 September 2020. He was admitted on 25 Jun 2020 and being treated for Sepsis with Multiorgan Dysfunction Syndrome and effects of Severe Head Injury old (Optd) had a Cardiac arrest this morning," a statement from the hospital said.
Condoling Singh's demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote: "Jaswant Singh Ji served our nation diligently, first as a soldier and later during his long association with politics. During Atal Ji’s Government, he handled crucial portfolios and left a strong mark in the worlds of finance, defence and external affairs. Saddened by his demise."
Jaswant Singh Ji will be remembered for his unique perspective on matters of politics and society. He also contributed to the strengthening of the BJP. I will always remember our interactions. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 27, 2020
"Jaswant Singh Ji will be remembered for his unique perspective on matters of politics and society. He also contributed to the strengthening of the BJP. I will always remember our interactions. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti," he wrote.
Jaswant Singh Ji will be remembered for his unique perspective on matters of politics and society. He also contributed to the strengthening of the BJP. I will always remember our interactions. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 27, 2020
Spoke to Shri Manvendra Singh and expressed condolences on the unfortunate demise of Shri Jaswant Singh Ji.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 27, 2020
True to his nature, Jaswant Ji fought his illness with immense courage for the last six years.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his grief over the demise tweeting: "Deeply pained by the passing away of veteran BJP leader & former Minister, Shri Jaswant Singh ji. He served the nation in several capacities including the charge of Raksha Mantri. He distinguished himself as an effective Minister and Parliamentarian."
Deeply pained by the passing away of veteran BJP leader & former Minister, Shri Jaswant Singh ji. He served the nation in several capacities including the charge of Raksha Mantri. He distinguished himself as an effective Minister and Parliamentarian.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 27, 2020
Shri Jaswant Singh ji would be remembered for his intellectual capabilities and stellar record in service to the nation. He also played a key role in strengthening the BJP in Rajasthan. Condolences to his family and supporters in this sad hour. Om Shanti.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 27, 2020
Born on Jan 3, 1938, Jaswant Singh Jasol was a retired officer of the Indian Army and a former cabinet minister.
He was a founding member of the Bharatiya Janata Party one of India's longest-serving parliamentarians, having been a member of one or the other house almost continuously between 1980 and 2014.
He was elected on a BJP ticket to the Rajya Sabha five times (1980, 1986, 1998, 1999, 2004) and to the Lok Sabha four times (1990, 1991, 1996, 2009).
During the Vajpayee administration (1998-2004), he held some of the highest offices of the land, handling at various times the cabinet portfolios of Finance, External Affairs and Defence.
He also served for a period as Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission (1998–99).
Here are some other tributes that poured in for the veteran politician:
Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of veteran leader, thinker & writer, former Union minister #JaswantSingh ji. His contributions to defining &defending the Indian polity were substantial. His decency &courtliness were legendary. Profound condolences @ManvendraJasol
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) September 27, 2020
V sad to hear about the demise of Sh Jaswant Singh ji. He worked for the country all his life, whether inside the govt or outside. May his soul rest in peace.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 27, 2020
Deeply saddened to learn of the demise of Shri Jaswant Singh ji. He will be particularly remembered for fashioning a foreign policy for a nuclear India. As foreign minister, he brought out the best in Indian diplomats.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 27, 2020
Saddened by the demise of former Union Minister Shri. Jaswant Singh. My condolences to his family members and well-wishers. pic.twitter.com/l2dqzU3y45
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) September 27, 2020
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