Ahmedabad: Former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel died in a private hospital here on Thursday.
He was 92. Mr Patel was brought to the Sterling Hospital here in an unconscious state, following complications in breathing and the end came at 1155 hrs, hospital sources said.
He had earlier tested positive for COVID-19 but recovered later.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran served as Gujarat's chief minister for a brief term in 1995 and again between 1998 and 2001. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had succeeded him as the state's chief minister.
Taking to his twitter handle, Mr 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."
Prez, PM condole death of former Gujarat CM Keshubhai Patel
New Delhi:President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed condolences on the death of former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel.
Expressing condolences on the death of Keshubhai Patel, the President said, ''With the demise of Keshubhai Patel, former Gujarat chief minister, the nation has lost a stalwart leader. His long public life was dedicated to improving the lives of millions, especially in villages. As champion of farmers' causes, he enjoyed extraordinary rapport with masses.''
Condoling the death of Keshubhai Patel, the PM 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 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.''
Keshubhai Patel died in an Ahmedabad hospital on Thursday at the age of 92.(UNI)