Veteran leader and Congress’ Member of Parliament from Jalandhar, Santokh Singh Chaudhary passed away on Saturday morning after he suffered a cardiac arrest during the ongoing Bharat Jodo Yatra in Punjab’s Phillaur.
The two-time MP was walking alongside Rahul Gandhi when he felt a sudden discomfort in his chest and collapsed on the spot. He was quickly rushed to Phagwara’s Virk hospital where the doctors declared him dead.
On receiving the news, Rahul Gandhi left the march midway and reached the hospital where Mr. Chaudhary had been taken. He also met the bereaved family at their residence in Jalandhar’s Dhaliwal and paid his last respects to the deceased leader.
Following the incident, Punjab Congress chief, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring declared the suspension of the yatra for a day and also announced that the deceased’s last rites would be performed on Sunday morning.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi shared a photo collage from the yatra in which the MP is seen walking along with him and the other party leaders. Gandhi said that he was “stunned” by the sudden passing away of Mr. Santokh Singh Chaudhary.”
Different Political Leaders on Mr. Chaudhary’s Sudden Demise
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi extended his condolences on Mr. Chaudhary’s death in a tweet, saying that, “Pained by the passing away of MP Shri Santokh Singh Chaudhary Ji. He will be remembered for his efforts to serve the people of Punjab. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti,”
Mallikarjun Kharge, who is currently serving as the President of the Indian National Congress, said that Mr. Chaudhary’s demise is a “great blow to the party and organisation”. He added that he is deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely passing away of the MP. He also offered his heartfelt condolences to Mr. Chaudhary’s family, friends and followers.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, SS Chouhan condoled Mr. MP Santokh Singh’s death, saying “An outstanding leader, who could still have given a lot to this nation, has left us. I offer him my respect and respect on behalf of the people of MP. May his soul rest in peace and may God give strength to his family, supporters, and loved ones in this hour of grief,”
Congress leader, Pratap Singh Bajwa said that Mr. Santokh Singh “had no previous ailment and he would get his checkup done every three months. He was not sleeping well for the past three days because of his excitement and perhaps he had the pressure of Bharat Jodo Yatra.” Mr. Bajwa further advised people not to go for walks in the early mornings after 65.
Meanwhile, several other politicians including Punjab’s former Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder expressed his condolences on the demise of the Punjab political leader, saying that he is “Extremely saddened to hear about the sudden demise of MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary ji due to a heart attack today. My heartfelt condolences are with his entire family in their time of grief. May Waheguru Ji grant eternal peace to the departed soul.”
Indian politics suffered another great loss as former JD(U) chief and Union Minister, Sharad Yadav passed away on Thursday this week. Mr. Yadav had been suffering from kidney-related issues and had been on dialysis for quite some time. He passed at the age of 75 and is survived by his wife, a daughter, and a son.
