Former Union Minister Jaswant Singh dies at 82; PM, Rajnath condole

Former Union Defence Minister Jaswant Singh died in New Delhi Sunday morning. He was 82. The former leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was in coma for the past six years.

He sustained a severe head injury at his residence and was admitted to the Army (Research and Referral) Hospital in New Delhi, in 2014.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet that the ‘seasoned BJP leader served our nation diligently first as a soldier and later during his long association with politics.’

“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,” PM Modi’s tweet read.

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 27, 2020

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was ‘deeply pained by the passing away of veteran BJP leader and former Minister, Shri Jaswant Singh ji.’ Rajnath Singh tweeted: “He served the nation in several capacities including the charge of Raksha Mantri. He distinguished himself as an effective Minister and Parliamentarian.”

Shri Jaswant Singh ji would be remembered for his intellectual capabilities and stellar record in service to the nation. He also played a key role in strengthening the BJP in Rajasthan. Condolences to his family and supporters in this sad hour. Om Shanti.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 27, 2020

Rajnath Singh, a former Army officer, served as the Minister for Finance, Minister for Defence and Minister for External Affairs in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. He contested as an independent from Barmer in Rajasthan against BJP’s Sona Ram. He lost the elections.

The BJP expelled Jaswanth Singh in 2009 for ‘praising’ Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his book ‘Jinnah – India, Partition, Independence.’ The senior leader was re-inducted into the party but he parted ways again in 2014.