Former Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dilip Gandhi passed away at a private hospital in Delhi on Wednesday morning. He was 70.
The 70-year-old BJP leader had tested positive for COVID-19 and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the national capital.
The BJP leader, who started his career as a corporator in the late 80s, had won the Lok Sabha elections three times since 1999 from Ahmednagar in Maharashtra. In 2003-2004, he was appointed as MoS for Shipping in the Central government. Gandhi was re-elected with a margin of more than 200,000 votes in 2014. However, he was denied a ticket in the 2019 general polls.
He is survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to extend his condolences. "He'll be remembered for his rich contributions to community service and helping the poor. He made numerous efforts to strengthen BJP in Maharashtra. Condolences to his family and supporters," PM Modi tweeted.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also condoled his death. "Anguished by the demise of former MP and Minister, Shri Dilip Gandhi ji. He distinguished himself as an able administrator & Parliamentarian. He worked towards the welfare of farmers & other weaker sections of our society. Condolences to his family and well wishers. Om Shanti!," Rajnath Singh tweeted.
Former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu extended his condolences. "Very sad to know about unfortunate passing away of my dear friend,former colleague in #LokSabha shri Dilip Gandhi ,who was always active, represented the people of #Ahmadnagar in #Maharashtra very ably.We will always miss him Condolences to his family @BJP4Maharashtra. Om Shanti," Prabhu tweeted.
