Shimla:Former chief minister Virbhadra Singh who was ailing for the last three months, passed away at Indira Gandhi Medical College Hospital Shimla on early Thursday morning.
A press release issued by IGMC Shimla Sr Medical Superintendent Dr Janak Raj said that Mr Singh died at 0340 hrs in the hospital.Singh who suffered two Covid infections after a gap of one and half months was under observation of the Cardiology Unit of the hospital and kept on a ventilator for the last three days.
In last night press bulletin issued by IGMC Shimla said that his condition did not improve and continued taking life support in the hospital.State Police has deployed heavy security outside IGMC Shimla, his residence at Holilodge and his paternal house at Rampur to manage the crowd, Superintendent police Shimla Mr Mohit Chawla said.
Three-day state mourning declared in HP on demise of Virbhadra Singh
Himachal Pradesh Government on Thursday declared three-day state mourning on the demise of Virbhadra Singh who passed away this morning after prolonged illness.
His mortal remains were brought to his residence at Holilodge from IGMC Shimla in a vehicle and it would be on public display for paying last tribute on Thursday and Friday morning.
State Administration announced three days of public mourning on the demise of the six-time chief minister, five-time Member of Parliament and nine times member of Assembly who died after three months long illness suffering Covid infection twice and other illnesses.
IGMC Senior Medical Superintendent Dr Janak Raj informed that Singh died after pulmonary cardiac arrest at 0340hrs today. He was in the hospital since April 30.
The family members of Mr Singh declared that the cremation service would be held at his ancestral home Rampur - Bushair on Friday afternoon. Till then last remains of the former chief minister would be kept at Holilodge for Public display to pay the last tribute.
A Government spokesman said that the state declared three days of state mourning on the demise of Virbhadra Singh and all public entertainment functions stand cancelled from July 8 to 10, 2021.
HP CM mourns demise of Virbhadra Singh
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur expressed grief over the demise of former state chief minister Virbhadra Singh who breathed his last in wee hours of Thursday.
The Chief Minister visited 'Holy Lodge', the private residence of Virbhadra Singh, and placed a wreath on the mortal remains. He also offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
In his condolence message, Mr Thakur said Virbhadra Singh's contribution in the development of the state was unprecedented and cannot be forgotten.
He added that the former chief minister devoted his entire life for the uplift of every section of the society with special focus on weaker and vulnerable sections. He also played a pivotal role for the development of the country as well as for the state while serving as Union Minister at the Centre. He said that his strong will, commitment and determination would always remain a source of inspiration for all of us in public life.
Mr Thakur further said that the void created by Virbhadra Singh’s death would be difficult to be filled in for the time to come.
He prayed to the Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family members to bear the loss.
Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj, State BJP president Suresh Kashyap, senior BJP and Congress leaders also laid wreaths to the body of Virbhadra Singh at 'Holy Lodge'
HP Guv condoles demise of former CM Virbhadra Singh
Himachal Pradesh Governor Bandaru Dattatraya on Thursday expressed grief over the demise of former chief minister Virbhadra Singh.The Governor visited his residence 'Holy Lodge' and laid a wreath on the mortal remains of the former chief minister. He expressed his condolences to Pratibha Singh, wife of former Chief Minister and son Vikramaditya Singh.
In his condolence message, the Governor said that Virbhadra Singh was a stalwart leader, who ensured unprecedented contribution in development of Himachal Pradesh. The country and particularly Himachal has lost a great personality and a dynamic leader.
He said that Singh would always be remembered and respected by the people of the country for his simplicity, humanity and benevolence. The services and contributions made by him for the State as a politician and Chief Minister will always be remembered.He prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family members to bear the irreparable loss.(UNI)