Veteran Congress leader and former Rajasthan chief minister Jagannath Pahadia has died due to COVID-19 at the age of 89.
The chief minister of Rajasthan in 1980-81 and also a former governor of Haryana and Bihar, Pahadia died on Wednesday.
CM Ashok Gehlot broke the news on Twitter and expressed his condolences
“The news of the death of former CM of the state Jagannath Pahadia ji is very sad. Pahadia served the country for a long time as CM, as Governor, as Union Minister; he was among the senior leaders of the country,” Gehlot tweeted. “Pahadia left us because of Covid; I am very shocked by his demise,” he said.
He also said Pahadia”s death is a personal loss for him.
The State government has announced a one-day mourning on Thursday during which government offices will be closed and the national flag will fly at half-mast.
A cabinet meeting will also be held at 12 noon on Thursday to pay condolences to Pahadia, whose funeral will be held with state honour the same day.
To attend the funeral, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot reached Jagannath’s residence of Shyam Nagar and came to the crematorium till the last visit. During this, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also consoled the bereaved family.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot was present with Jagannath Pahadia throughout the funeral procession. During this, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot stayed at the crematorium for about 2 hours. During the funeral, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot was also seen tying Jagannath Pahadia with great courage.