Former batsman Chetan Chauhan, died on Sunday following complications due to Covid-19. He was 73 and is survived by wife Sangeeta and son Vinayak.
Chetan was two-time former Lok Sabha MP was Home Guard minister in Uttar Pradesh’s Yogi Adityanath’s cabinet,also served as the state’s sports minister. The BJP leader tested positive for Covid-19 last month. Later he shifted to a Gurugram hospital after his condition worsened.
“My elder brother Shri Chetan Chauhan has left us today after fighting a good battle. I sincerely thank everyone who had prayed for his recovery. His son Vinayak will be reaching anytime and we will then perform last rites,” brother Pushpendra told PTI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolence on the death of a “wonderful cricketer” and a “diligent political leader”.
“Shri Chetan Chauhan Ji distinguished himself as a wonderful cricketer and later as a diligent political leader. He made effective contributions to public service and strengthening the BJP in UP. Anguished by his passing away. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti,” PM Modi tweeted.
Chauhan, born in Uttar Pradesh and moved to Maharashtra in 1960 where he developed an interest in cricket. He represented Pune University in 1966-67. Everyone was impressed with his performances and was eventually selected for the West Zone, and even opened with Gavaskar during a match in the inter-zonal trophy.
After his cricket career, Chauhan entered politics. He even served as a two-time Lok Sabha MP.
At the time of his demise, he was at the position of Sainik Welfare, Home Guards, PRD and Civil Security Ministry in the Uttar Pradesh cabinet.
Chetan Chauhan was also the recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award (1981).
