Condoling the demise of Uttar Pradesh minister and former cricketer Chetan Chauhan , Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that he distinguished himself as a wonderful cricketer and diligent political leader.
“Shri Chetan Chauhan Ji distinguished himself as a wonderful cricketer and later as a diligent political leader. He made effective contributions to public service and strengthening the BJP in UP. Anguished by his passing away. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti,” Mr. Modi tweeted.
Chauhan died on Sunday due to COVID-19 related complications, his brother Pushpendra Chauhan said.
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Chauhan, who played 40 Tests for India, was 73. He is survived by his wife and son Vinayak.
“Deeply saddened by the passing away of former cricketer and UP minister, Shri Chetan Chauhan ji. He made immense contribution towards development of cricket and also served as the Member of Parliament for two terms,” Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu’s office wrote on Twitter.
“My condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanti.”
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted in Hindi: “Shri Chetan Chauhan, minister in the Uttar Pradesh government and former cricketer, served the country first as a sportsman and later as a public servant. His death is a great loss for Indian politics and cricket. I express my condolences to his family. Om Shanti.”
Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan tweeted: “Saddened by the news of sudden demise of former cricketer and cabinet minister in the Uttar Pradesh government, Chetan Chauhan. I pray to God to give peace to the departed soul and strength to his family to bear this loss."
Condoling the death of his cabinet colleague, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “This is an irreparable loss to the cricketing world and the government. He was a popular sportsperson as well as a leader. As a minister he discharged his duties effectively. He was elected to the Lok Sabha twice. Shri Chauhan always honoured the aspirations of the public.”
Governor Anandiben Patel too expressed grief over the death of Chauhan. In her condolence message, she said, “Chetan Chauhan was a soft-spoken, hardworking and active leader.”
Speaker of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Hriday Narayan Dixit in a tweet said he was “anguished by the untimely death of Chetan Chauhan".
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said his demise is extremely saddening.
"It is an irreparable loss. We have lost another cabinet colleague in the form of Chetan Chauhan and it will be difficult to fill the void. A simple person and brilliant orator, Chetan Chauhan will be remembered as a source of inspiration,” Mr. Maurya said.
UP Minister of State (Minority Welfare) Mohsin Raza too condoled the death of Chauhan. Mr. Raza said, “I cannot believe that he has passed away. It is a sad day for us.”
He held the portfolios of Sainik Welfare, Home Guards, PRD and Civil Security in the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet.