Earlier today, former Union Minister Jaswant Singh breathed his last. The veteran leader was 82 years old. The former Army officer had been in a coma since the last six years after a serious head injury.
A vital part of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Government
Jaswant Singh served as the Minister for Finance, Minister for Defence, and Minister for External Affairs under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. He was one of the crucial members of Atal Ji’s cabinet.
Jaswant Singh’s share of controversies
Although he was away from controversies for a major part of his career, Jaswant Singh was expelled from the party in 2009 after he praised Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his book Jinnah – India, Partition, Independence. He was later inducted into the party but in 2014, he parted ways again.
He then contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections as an Independent candidate from Barmer district in Rajasthan after he did not get a BJP ticket. He lost to Colonel Sona Ram of the BJP.
Tweets poured in from BJP leaders
PM Modi remembered Jaswant Singh’s contribution to the party in his condolence tweet. He said: “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, defense, and external affairs. Saddened by his demise. He 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.“
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said: “Deeply pained by the passing away of veteran BJP leader and former Minister, Shri Jaswant Singh ji. He served the nation in several capacities including the charge of Raksha Mantri. He distinguished himself as an effective Minister and Parliamentarian.”
Source: The Indian Express
