Former minister Ramu Patel passes away

Former Maharashtra minister and tribal leader Ramu Patel passed away here today due to old-age-related ailments, family sources said.

He was ill since the last few days, and was admitted to a private hospital here where he died this afternoon.

Patel was 75, and is survived by four sons.

Patel represented the tribals of Dharni assembly constituency for two consecutive terms from 1985 to 1995.

In 1985, he was elected unopposed, while in 1990, he won the election defeating Rajkumar Patel of BJP.

The popular tribal leader was minister of State for forests in the Sudhakarrao Naik ministry of the Congress.

Patel had settled in Amravati and resided in Congress Nagar locality. He will be cremated tomorrow at Dharni.