Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kailash Joshi died at a private hospital here on Sunday morning after prolonged illness. He was 90.
Survived by three sons and three daughters, he had been suffering from heart problems and diabetes, said the hospital’s officials. The last rites will be performed at his native Hatpipliya in Dewas district on Monday.
Born on July 14, 1929, Mr. Joshi served as the first Janata Party Chief Minister of the State from 1977 to 1978. He represented the Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency from 2004 to 2014.
Briefly, Mr. Joshi was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2000 to 2004. Besides, he represented the Bagli Assembly seat from 1962 to 1998.
A stalwart, says PM
Condoling his death, Prime Minister Narendra modi tweeted: “Kailash Joshi Ji was a stalwart who made a strong contribution towards Madhya Pradesh’s growth. He worked hard to strengthen Jan Sangh and the BJP in central India. He made a mark as an effective legislator. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.”
BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan went to the hospital as soon as the news reached him. “Today, Madhya Pradesh has lost an invaluable gem. Kailash Joshi ji will forever be in the hearts of people for working for the welfare of the poor and deprived his entire lifetime,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Kamal Nath tweeted: “Soft spoken, simple and spontaneous, Kailash ji’s death is an irreparable loss to the field of politics. I express my condolences to the family.”
