AMN / AHMEDABAD
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Madhavsinh Solanki passed away this morning at his Gandhinagar residence. He was 94. A veteran Congress leader and the former External Affairs Minister Mr. Solanki had served four terms as Chief Minister of Gujarat. He is the father of Gujarat Congress leader and former Union Minister Bharatsinh Solanki.
Gujarat Government has declared one day mourning in honor of the departed leader. Gujarat Chief Minister has cancelled his scheduled public programmes at Mahisagar and decided to convene a cabinet meeting to pay tribute to Mr.Solanki.
President Ram Nath Kovind has expressed grief on the demise of former Gujarat Chief Minister Madhavsinh Solanki. In a tweet, Mr Kovind said, in the demise of Madhavsinh Solanki, the nation has lost an unmatched leader. The President said, Solanki will be long remembered as much for his role in shaping modern Gujarat as for his inimitable warmth, charm, and love for literature. He expressed condolences to his family and well-wishers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief on the demise of former Gujarat Chief Minister Madhavsinh Solanki. In a tweet, Mr Modi said, Madhavsinh Solanki Ji was a formidable leader, playing a key role in Gujarat politics for decades. The Prime Minister said he will be remembered for his rich service to society. Mr Modi spoke to his son, Bharat Solanki and expressed condolences.
The Prime Minister said, beyond politics, Madhavsinh Solanki Ji enjoyed reading and was passionate about culture. Mr Modi said, whenever he would meet him or speak to him, both would discuss books and Mr Solanki would tell him about a new book he recently read. Mr Modi said, he will always cherish the interactions with him.
Madhavsinh Solanki served four times as Gujarat Chief Minister. He was elected to Rajya Sabha twice and served as External Affairs Minister.