Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President JP Nadda on Sunday condoled the death of cricketer turned BJP politician Chetan Chauhan. Modi called Chauhan a "diligent political leader". Modi tweeted: "Shri Chetan Chauhan Ji distinguished himself as a wonderful cricketer and later as a diligent political leader. He made effective contributions to public service and strength the BJP in Uttar Pradesh." He extended his condolences to Chauhan's family and supporters.

Shri Chetan Chauhan Ji distinguished himself as a wonderful cricketer and later as a diligent political leader. He made effective contributions to public service and strengthening the BJP in UP. Anguished by his passing away. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2020

The Uttar Pradesh Minister passed away on Sunday due to kidney failure after he tested positive for coronavirus. He died at Medanta hospital in Gurugram, where he had been shifted after his condition deteriorated. BJP chief Nadda recalled Chauhan's "invaluable contribution" to strengthen the BJP's organisation in Uttar Pradesh. Chauhan, who was a two-time BJP MP, was described by Nadda as "the inspiration for millions of youths".

भाजपा के वरिष्ठ नेता और उत्तर प्रदेश सरकार में कैबिनेट मंत्री और पूर्व क्रिकेटर श्री चेतन चौहान जी के निधन का अत्यंत दुखद समाचार प्राप्त हुआ। ईश्वर दिवंगत आत्मा को शान्ति प्रदान करें एवं शोक संतप्त परिजनों को यह दुःख सहने की शक्ति प्रदान करें।
ॐ शान्ति।

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) August 16, 2020

"From sports to the political world, he created a distinct identity. His departure is a big loss for us," Nadda added. Chauhan, 73, is the second Minister of the Yogi Adityanath government to have succumbed to coronavirus. On August 2, Minister Kamal Rani Varun had also died due to the infectious disease.

A well-known cricketer before he joined politics, Chauhan played 40 Tests between 1969 and 1978 and scored 2,084 runs at an average of 31.57, with 97 as his highest score. He also played seven ODIs, scoring 153 runs.

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