New Delhi: Former Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) leader and a close associate of former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Jaswant Singh 82, died on Sunday after a brief illness.
Singh, a former army officer, had been ill after a fall at his home in August 2014 and was admitted to the Army Research and Referral Hospital. He had been in and out of the hospital and was admitted again in June this year.
In a statement, the Army hospital said: “Major Jaswant Singh (Retd), former Cabinet minister, passed away at 6:55 am today. He was admitted on 25 June and was being treated for Sepsis with Multiorgan Dysfunction Syndrome. He had a cardiac arrest this morning. His Covid status is negative.”
The news of his death was tweeted by Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh.
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
“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 tweeted.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, in a series of tweets, condoled the death of the leader.
“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,” he tweeted.
PM Modi remembered Jaswant Singh’s “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,” the PM tweeted.
Spoke to Shri Manvendra Singh and expressed condolences on the unfortunate demise of Shri Jaswant Singh Ji.
True to his nature, Jaswant Ji fought his illness with immense courage for the last six years.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 27, 2020
Jaswant Singh was a retired officer of the Indian army and was one of the founding members of the Bhartiya Janata Party.
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