Former Union minister Jaswant Singh passes away

Veteran BJP leader and former Union Minister Jaswant Singh died on Sunday morning. He was aged 82.

In coma for the last six years, the former defence minister he was admitted to the Army (Research and Referral) Hospital in Delhi in 2014 following a severe head injury at his residence.

Jaswant Singh is widely considered one of the longest-serving parliamentarians in India and he has been a member of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha almost continuously between 1980 and 2014. Singh was elected on BJP ticket to Rajya Sabha for five times (1980, 1986, 1998, 1999, 2004), and to the Lok Sabha four times (1990, 1991, 1996, 2009).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his Twitter handle, expressed his condolences and wrote that Jaswant Singh was a leader who served India diligently.

“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, defense, and external affairs. Saddened by his demise,” tweeted Modi.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted that Jaswant Singh will be remembered for his intellectual capabilities and a stellar record in service for the nation.

“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,” tweeted Rajnath Singh.