Six-time MLA Suryakanta Vyas passes away at 87; former Raj CM Gehlot pays tributes

Economy
By Liam

Six-time MLA Suryakanta Vyas passes away at 87

3 min read Last updated: Sep 25, 2024 | 10:58 AM IST

Former Soorsagar MLA Suryakanta Vyas, popularly known as ‘Jiji’, breathed her last on Wednesday morning at the age of 87. She had been ill for a long time and was admitted to the Mahatma Gandhi (MGH) Hospital after her health deteriorated.

Suryakanta Vyas is a prominent face of the Pushkarna Brahmin community in Rajasthan. A well-known leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party from Soorsagar (Jodhpur), Vyas has been an MLA for six times. She contested elections three times from the old Jodhpur seat before shifting to her new seat, Soorsagar, in 2008.

‘Swap’ between Minister Shekhawat and Suryakanta Vyas

There was a huge rift between minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Suryakanta Vyas. Shekhawan even mocked Vyas about her age, which led to a series of allegations and counter-allegations. In the last elections, the BJP denied ticket to six-time MLA Vyas from Soorsagar seat and gave it to Devendra Joshi.

Nevertheless, Vyas supported the party’s decision and campaigned in support of Devendra Joshi, who won the seat. In fact, Congress leaders criticized the BJP government for not giving her the ticket and said that the saffron party should not have ignored her. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot even went to her house to meet Suryakanta Vyas. This led to speculation that she would join the Congress, but things turned out differently.

Suryakanta Vyas dead: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat offers condolences

Shekhawt took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his condolences on the demise of Suryakanta Vyas. He wrote (translated from Hindi to English): “The passing away of our senior leader, respected Suryakanta Vyas ji, is an irreparable loss to the socio-political life of Jodhpur region. “Jiji” was a six-time MLA from the area. Everyone respected her popularity and seniority. I had taken her blessings before these Lok Sabha elections. My meeting with her is etched in my memory. I am heartbroken. May Lord Shri Ram grant refuge to his soul. May his family and supporters get strength. May peace!”

Suryakanta Vyas passes away: Former CM Gehlot mourns her loss

In a post on X, Gehlot wrote (translated from Hindi to English): “The passing away of Suryakanta Vyas “Jiji”, former MLA from Sursagar, is extremely sad. Jiji remained actively involved in public service even during this phase of her life. Jiji’s affection and love for me was unmatched. Her passing away is also a personal loss for me. I pray to God to grant peace to the departed soul and courage to the family members.”

First publication: Sep 25, 2024 | 10:58 AM IST

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