Kalyan Singh, former Uttar Pradesh CM and veteran BJP leader, dies

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Kalyan Singh passed away on Saturday evening (August 21) in Lucknow due to sepsis and multi-organ failure at the age of 89. 

The veteran BJP leader was undergoing treatment at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) which is located in Lucknow as well since July 4. According to the reports, his condition deteriorated on Friday and was forced to place on dialysis.

Just last month, Prime Miniter Narendra Modi has tweeted about Kalyan Singh's health. the tweet said, "Countless people across India are praying for the speedy recovery of Kalyan Singh Ji". Today he again tweeted at his demise expressing his condolences. 

Kalyan Singh Ji gave voice to crores of people belonging to the marginalised sections of society. He made numerous efforts towards the empowerment of farmers, youngsters and women.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 21, 2021

Current Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Aditynath also expressed his condolences and visited him in the hospital today. The government of UOP has declared a three-day state mourning holiday and a holiday on August 23 when Kalyan Singh's body will be cremated. 

Many others like Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati, President Ram Nath Kovind too expressed their grief at this loss. 

Kalyan Singh ji had a magical connect with masses. As Chief Minister of UP, he determinedly pursued clean politics and purged governance of criminals and corruption. He dignified the offices he held. His demise leaves a vacuum in public life. My heartfelt condolences.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 21, 2021

Kalyan Singh was the CM of Uttar Pradesh from June 1991 to December 1992 and September 1997 to November 1999, which is twice. He was also the Governor of Rajasthan between 2014 and 2019.

It was during his first term that the demolition of the Babri Masjid took place on December 6, 1992, in Ayodhya. Singh immediately handed out his resignation after demolition.