Former Rajasthan CM Jagannath Pahadia dies at 89

Chief Minister AshokGehlot broke the news of his demise on Twitter saying, "The news of the death of former CM of the state Jagannath Pahadia ji is very sad."

The Rajasthan government has announced one-day state mourning as a mark of respect to the departed leader. All the government offices will remain closed today and the national flag will fly at half-mast.

At 12 pm, a Cabinet meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Ashol Gehlot will be held to pay tributes to him.

Pahadia served as Rajasthan chief minister from June 9, 1980 to July 14, 1981.

He was elected as an MP in 1957, 1967, 1971 and 1980 and worked in the capacity of Member of Legislative Assembly in 1980, 1985, 1999 and 2003.

He was also a minister at the Centre. He was also the Governor of Bihar from 1989 to 1990 and the Governor of Haryana from 2009 to 2014.

Condoling his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "Saddened by the demise of former Rajasthan CM, Shri Jagannath Pahadia Ji. In his long political and administrative career, he made noteworthy contributions to further social empowerment. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti."

Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra prayed to God to give peace to the departed soul, and to the family to bear this grief.

Gehlot termed the news of Pahadia's death 'extremely' sad. 'Mr Pahadia left us due to Covid. I am very shocked by his demise. He served the country for a long time as the Chief Minister, as the Governor, as the Union Minister,' he tweeted.

"He was a senior Congress leader. He always had affection for me. His simple personality and effortless behavior have always been inspiring to me. His death is a personal loss for me, which is not possible to be fulfilled," the CM added.

Gehlot prayed to God for peace of the departed soul and to give the bereaved family the strength to bear this trauma.

Several other leaders, including Legislative Speaker Dr CP Joshi, former chief minister Vasundhara Raje, Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasara, BJP state president Dr Satish Poonia besides state ministers and MLAs also mourned the death.