Veteran BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh Governor, Ram Prakash Gupta passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on May 1, after a prolonged illness. He was 82 and is survived by his wife and two sons. His body was flown to Bhopal by a special plane where people of the state paid their last respects to the departed leader. Later, the body was flown to Lucknow where he was cremated with full state honours at the Bhainsakund crematorium.
Born on October 26, 1923 at Sukvan-Dhukvan village of Jhansi, Ram Prakash Gupta was the thirteenth Governor of Madhya Pradesh. Earlier he had been Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 1999. The Madhya Pradesh government announced a week-long period of mourning to pay tribute to the departed soul.
Soon after getting the news of the demise of Ram Prakash Gupta, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the President, Sushma Swaraj, the Union Health Minister, Madan Das, Sahsarkaryavah of RSS and others went to the AIIMS to pay their tributes. Expressing grief over the loss, Dr Kalam said Ram Prakash Gupta had to his credit many years of public service in various capacities, which included the post of Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
The BJP expressed grief over the death of the veteran leader as it was a great loss to the party and the country. The Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Uma Bharti said that she had received special affection from the departed leader. Narendra Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister, said that Ram Prakash Gupta was an able and dedicated Lok Sevak who had served in different capacities, including that of the Chief Minister of UP.
Mulayam Singh Yadav, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, said Guptaji believed in simple living and high thinking and never compromised on his principles. Madan Lal Khurana, Rajasthan Governor and Vasundhra Raje, Rajasthan Chief Minister, also conveyed their grief. The Punjab Governor and Chandigarh administrator, Justice O.P. Verma, Gujarat Governor, Kailashpati Mishra, Maharashtra Governor, Moha-mmad Fazal, Goa Governor Kidarnath Sahni also expressed grief over Ram Prakash Gupta”s sudden demise.
