Veteran Congress Leader Balram Jakhar Passes Away at 92

I am grieved to learn about the sad demise of Balram Jakhar, former speaker, Lok Sabha, whom I had known very well. Jakhar had suffered a brain stroke a year ago.

As per reports, Jakhar died at around 7 am at his New Delhi Residence. The cremation will be held in his village Panchkosi in Abohar at 11 am.

The Chief Minister called up Congress MLA and son of departed leader Sunil Jakhar over telephone to share his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family on the death of one of the greatest sons of soil. In 2004 he was appointed the Governor of Madhya Pradesh.

Jakhar was elected to the Punjab Legislative Assembly in 1972 and was re-elected in 1977 becoming the Leader of the Opposition. “Be it as a legislator, parliamentarian, minister, speaker or Governor, Dr Jakhar forever remained at the forefront in taking up issues concerning agriculture and farmers”.

Mr. Jakhar was elected to the Lok Sabha for a fourth term from Bikaner in Rajasthan in February 1998.

He also served as Agriculture Minister in the Cabinet of former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao. He was also the Member of Planning Commission from 1991 to 1996.

Dr. Balram Jakhar was the President of Jallianwala Bagh Memorial Trust Management Committee. He also authored a book, People, Parliament and Administration. In 1975, President of India honoured him with Udyan Pandit for his contribution to Horticulture.