Veteran Congress leader Indira Hridayesh passes away

Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Uttarakhand Assembly Indira Hridayesh passed away in New Delhi on Sunday, the Congress party said.

She was 80. Hridayesh had attended a meeting chaired by party in-charge for Uttarakhand, Devendra Yadav, in New Delhi on Saturday. She was staying at Uttarakhand Sadan. She had been part of many Congress governments and member of UP legislative council as well.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat condoled Hridayesh’s death.

In her condolence message, Sonia Gandhi said, “Dr Hridayesh served the Congress Party till her last breath and leaves behind a legacy of public service as an MLA, MLC, Minister, Leader of Opposition in Uttarakhand, and above all as a dedicated lifelong Congressperson.”

“She was particularly popular amongst her colleagues for her knowledge of legislative processes and procedure as also her performance as an able administrator. Her contribution to the Congress party will be treasured and cherished by all,” she added.

In a tweet in Hindi, Rahul Gandhi said that Indira Hridayesh’s social and political contributions are a source of inspiration for others.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over her demise.

Modi tweeted, "Dr Indira Hridayesh Ji was at the forefront of several community service efforts. She made a mark as an effective legislator and also had rich administrative experience. Saddened by her demise. Condolences to her family and supporters. Om Shanti."

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat said that Hridayesh played a significant role in the politics of both Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand for four decades.

Describing her death as a big loss for the state, Rawat remembered the Congress leader for her profound knowledge of parliamentary procedures.

Rawat said it was also a personal loss for him as he always got the love of an elder sister from her.

State government's spokesman and cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal said he and other politicians of his generation had learnt a lot from Hridayesh who could rise above the confines of party-based politics.

"Her knowledge of parliamentary procedures was amazing. We learnt a lot from her," Uniyal said .

Hridayesh, was an MLA from Haldwani. He body is being airlifted to Haldwani.

(With agencies' inputs)