Anant Dave, the 'giant killer' passes away

Veteran BJP leader and former MP from Kutch, Anant Dave passed away on Sunday after prolonged illness. Senior leaders from the party paid homage to the departed leader.

BJP national vice president Purshottam Rupala, state president RC Faldu and founder president of GPP Keshubhai Patel expressed shock at Dave’s demise and paid rich tributes to the leader.

Born on May 27, 1938 at Mandvi in Kutch, Dave won the Loksabha elections after defeating Dr Mahipat Mehta, a stalwart Congress leader from the region, a feat which catapulted him to the status of a ‘giant killer’. A leader of the masses, Dave was a true
fighter for the causes of border district of Kutch.

Dave also represented Gujarat as member of Rajya Sabha twice between 1990 and 2000. For last five years he was actively participating in movement of water conservation in the district. As chairman of Sardar Patel Jal Sanchay Nigam, Dave was the cornerstone for building 11,000 checks dams in Kutch.

He began his career in Rashtriya Sevak Sangh. After resigning from Gujarat Electricity Board, he became a full-time social activist. He also served 11 months jail term during emergency time.  Dave is survived by his wife, Indira, two daughters and a son.