Jammu: Veteran BJP leader and former trade union minister Chaman Lal Gupta died on Tuesday after a long illness at his Gandhi Nagar residence, days after being successfully treated for COVID-19 in a hospital, his family said.
Gupta, 87, is survived by his two sons and a daughter.
‘He tested positive for COVID-19 on May 5 and is back from Narayana Hospital on Sunday after successful treatment. His condition suddenly worsened in the early hours of the morning and he exhaled his last breath around 05.10, ‘his older son Anil Gupta told PTI.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, born on 13 April 1934 in Jammu, has not been healthy for the last few years as he has suffered from various ailments and has hardly been seen in public life.
The late leader had a glorious political career spanning five decades after becoming a member of the J&K Legislative Assembly for the first time in 1972. He was again a member of the J&K Legislative Assembly between 2008 and 2014.
He was elected to the 11th Lok Sabha from the Jammu constituency Udhampur in 1996 and re-elected to the 12th and 13th Lok Sabha in 1998 and 1999.
Chaman Lal Gupta was Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Civil Aviation between 13 October 1999 and 1 September 2001, Minister of Foreign Affairs (independent charge), Ministry of Food Processing Industries (1 September 2001 to 30 June 2002) and Minister of Defense (1 July 2002 to 2004).
As the author of three books in Hindi and a two-time J&K BJP President, he completed his MSc at GM Science College Jammu and Allahabad University (UP).
The boy’s last rituals of the deceased would be performed later in the day.
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha paid tribute to the late leader and said he would be remembered for his great contribution to the well – being of the people.
‘It is very sad to hear about the death of former trade union minister Prof Chaman Lal Gupta Ji. “As an experienced politician and a highly respected public figure, his death is a great loss to the political sphere,” Governor J&K’s office said in a tweet.
Another tweet says: ‘He will always be remembered for his great contribution to the well – being of the people. My condolences to his family and friends. ”
Source: Telangana Today