Former union minister Jaswant Singh passes away, PM Modi condoles his death

New Delhi: Former union cabinet minister Jaswant Singh passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness. He had cardiac arrest this morning. He was 82. Mr Singh was admitted to Army Hospital Research and Referral on June 25.

He was admitted on 25 Jun 2020 and being treated for Sepsis with Multiorgan Dysfunction Syndrome and effects of Severe Head Injury old (Optd) had a Cardiac arrest this morning.

“It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Hon’ble Major Jaswant Singh (Retd), former Cabinet Minister of Government of India at 0655 hours on 27 September 2020,” the Army Hospital Research and Referral said in a statement.

“Despite the best efforts of the attending team of specialists to resuscitate him, he could not be revived and passed away today. His COVID status was negative”, it said.

PM Narendra Modi took to Twitter to condole his demise and remembered the role played by Singh, which included his stints as the External Affairs and Finance Minister during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.

PM Modi tweeted: “Jaswant Singh ji served our nation diligently, first as a soldier and later during his long association with politics. During Atal ji’s Government, he handled crucial portfolios and left a strong mark in the worlds of finance, defence and external affairs. Saddened by his demise.”

In another tweet he wrote, “Jaswant Singh Ji will be remembered for his unique perspective on matters of politics and society. He also contributed to the strengthening of the BJP. I will always remember our interactions. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.”

Hailing from Rajasthan, Jaswant Singh had served as India’s foreign minister, defence minister and finance minister.

He was an officer in the Army in the 1950s and 60s but he resigned to pursue politics. (Inputs from UNI)