Former BJP MP Lalit Kishore Chaturvedi passes away

JAIPUR: Veteran BJP leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Lalit Kishore Chaturvedi today passed away after a protracted illness at a private hospital here, a party spokesman said.

He was 84. Chaturvedi breathed his last around 3 am at the private hospital where he was shifted recently, the spokesman said.

Chaturvedi, a strong RSS man, was the PWD and Medical and Health Minister during the BS Shekhawat (former vice president) government. During Vasundhara Raje's first term, he was nominated to Rajya Sabha representing Rajasthan.

In his condolence message, BJP State President Ashok Parnami said the party has lost a dynamic leader who enabled the party to stand up and make its stronghold during the Shekhawat regime.

Death of an honest, dedicated and well read parliamentarian would be an irreparable loss to the party, Parnami said.

Chaturvedi has left behind his four sons and three daughters.

Governor of Rajasthan Kalyan Singh condoled the death of Chaturvedi saying he was an outstanding personality in politics and a great parliamentarian.

A flower wreath was placed beside the body of Chaturvedi on behalf of the Governor, a Raj Bhawan release said.