Former CM Babulal Gaur cremated

Bhopal, Aug 21 (IANS) Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and senior BJP leader Babulal Gaur, who died here on Wednesday at 89, was cremated at Subhash Nagar Vishram Ghat in the afternoon with state honours. The government has announced three-day state mourning.

Late Tuesday night his blood pressure and pulse rate dropped and kidneys failed. He was put on a life support system. Hospital director Dr Rajesh Sharma said Gaur died of cardiac arrest.

Gaur was suffering from multiple age-related health problems for over a month. On August 7, he was admitted to the Narmada Hospital in Bhopal in critical condition. Gaur had undergone angioplasty at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram last month, but his condition did not improve.

Gaur, who was born in Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh, completed his studies while working at Straw Products in Bhopal. He worked at BHEL and was involved in labour movement. He was also a founding member of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh.

In 1974, he won the state assembly elections as an Independent from Govindpura seat of Bhopal. This marked the beginning of his political journey. He continued to win elections from 1974 onwards. He was the Minister of Local Government, Law and Legislative Affairs, Parliamentary Affairs, Public Relations, Urban Welfare, Urban Housing and Rehabilitation and Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief from March 1990 to 1992. He was the Chief Minister of the state from August 23, 2004 to November 29, 2005.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has mourned the death of Babulal Gaur through tweet. "Babulal Gaur ji's long political life was devoted to the service of the people. From the time of the Jana Sangh, he worked hard to make the party strong and popular. His work as Minister and Chief Minister for the development of Madhya Pradesh will always be remembered. Deeply saddened by the demise of Babulal Gaur ji. May God grant strength to the bereaved family in this hour of grief", said Modi.

Governor Lalji Tandon expressed grief at Babulal Gaur's death. I pray to Almighty God for granting peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear the loss, a Raj Bhavan communiqu? quoted the Governor as saying.

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan tweeted, "End of an era in Madhya Pradesh politics. I am saddened by the demise of Shri Babulal Gaur, former Chief Minister of BJP, our mentor and leader of the people. Pray to God to provide peace to the departed soul and to provide the family with strength to bear this deep sorrow."

Chief Minister Kamal Nath went to Gaur's residence to pay homage to him. In his message, Nath said, "Gaur's demise is a personal loss for me. I have lost a good friend and a political colleague. He was a leader respected by all, cutting across party lines."