Former Governor of Gujarat and BJP leader Om Prakash Kohli passed away on February 20, 2023. His tenure as governor of Gujarat was from 2014-2019. He had also held the additional charge of the office of Governor of Madhya Pradesh along with Gujarat from September 8, 2016, to January 19, 2018. His funeral and last rites will take place at 11:30 am on February 21, 2023, at Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi. His granddaughter shared the news of his demise through social media.
Born on August 9, 1935, Om Prakash Kohli served as a lecturer at Hansraj College and Deshbandhu College for over 37 years. He was the president of the Delhi unit of Bharatiya Janata Party from 1999 to 2000 and also served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1994 to 2000. Kohli had also served as president of the Delhi University Teacher’s Association (DUTA) and ABVP. He also fought against the emergency imposed by Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Later, he was arrested under the MISA act.
Many political leaders shared their condolences and expressed their grief on social media.
“Saddened by the passing away of Shri OP Kohli Ji. He played a key role in strengthening our Party in Delhi. As MP and Governor, he focused on issues of public welfare. He was also passionate about the education sector. My thoughts are with his family. Om Shanti,” tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Senior BJP leader and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote, “Shri OP Kohliji in his long public life earned a lot of respect for his ability and scholarship. He was the Governor of Gujarat, who played an importnat role in strengthening Delhi BJP. I am deeply saddened by his demise. May God give strength to his family.”
While sharing his condolences, Senior BJP leader and Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said that Om Prakash Kohli had played a crucial role in strengthening the party.
“He has lived as a dedicated activist towards ideology and organisation. He has a significant contribution to strengthening the party and the organisation. As an educationist, and politician, Kohli ji has also been a good writer. May God impart peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family members to stand this irreparable loss. Om Shanti,” said Gadkari.
Notably, Shri Om Prakash Kohli had been the director of Bharat Prakashan, who also contributed to ‘Organiser weekly’. His demise is a significant loss to Bharat Prakashan and the ‘Organiser’ family. His contribution as an educationist and a politician is immense. May his soul attain moksha. May Bhagwan give strength to his family.
