PM condoles demise of former Gujarat CM Keshubhai Patel
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday has expressed grief over the passing away of former Gujarat chief minister Keshubhai Patel, and termed him “an outstanding leader who cared for every section of society”.
Patel (92) died in Ahmedabad on Thursday after a prolonged illness, family sources said. He was Gujarat’s chief minister in 1995 and again during 1998-2001.
In a series of tweets, Modi said, “Our beloved and respected Keshubhai has passed away… I am deeply pained and saddened. He was an outstanding leader who cared for every section of society. His life was devoted towards the progress of Gujarat and the empowerment of every Gujarati.”
“Keshubhai travelled across the length and breadth eGujarat to strengthen the Jana Sangh and BJP. He resisted the Emergency tooth and nail. Issues of farmer welfare were closest to his heart. Be it as MLA, MP, Minister or CM, he ensured many farmer-friendly measures were passed.”
“He mentored and groomed many younger Karyakartas including me. Everyone loved his affable nature. His demise is an irreparable loss. We are all grieving today. My thoughts are with his family and well-wishers. Spoke to his son Bharat and expressed condolences. Om Shanti,” the PM wrote on the microblogging site.
