Former Union Minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, who had resigned from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) days ago, died at the Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi on Sunday after being put on a ventilator. He was 74 years old.
The condition of the former minister of rural development of the Union in the first term of the government of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) led by Congress had deteriorated on Friday night. Singh had been receiving treatment at AIIMS, Delhi for more than a week after testing positive for coronavirus (Covid-19) in June.
Read also | The importance of Raghuvansh Prasad Singh
Known as the architect of India’s largest welfare program, the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee National Act (MGNREGA), Singh represented the Vaishali constituency of Bihar in Lok Sabha. He was also a long-time associate of the former Prime Minister of Bihar, Lalu Prasad Yadav.
Read also | RJD leader resigns, Lalu says ‘you’re not leaving’
The senior leader had resigned from the RJD on Thursday, apparently upset at his marginalization in the party in recent years. He had resigned as national vice president of the RJD more than two months ago.
Yadav tweeted an emotional message shortly after Singh’s death was confirmed. “Dear Raghuvansh Babu! What did you do? The day before yesterday I told you that you are not going anywhere. But you went so far. I’m speechless. I’m sad. I will miss you so much, ”he tweeted in Hindi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted his condolences on Singh’s death. “Raghuvansh Prasad Singh is no longer with us. His disappearance has left a void in the political sphere of Bihar and in the country, ”said Prime Minister Modi.
Madhya Pradesh Prime Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and CPI (M) Secretary General Sitaram Yechury also expressed their condolences.
“I have received the sad news of the death of former MP Shri Raghuvansh Prasad Singh. I pay my respects at your feet. May God help his soul to rest in peace and support his family and followers in this difficult time. Om Shanti, ”Chouhan tweeted in Hindi.
“I am shocked by the news of Raghuvansh Babu’s death. Very sad news. We have been in many struggles together for decades. His absence will be greatly felt in today’s time. The memories of his work and behavior will inspire us. More condolences to his family and friends, ”Yechury also posted on Twitter.
Singh had sent a handwritten resignation letter addressed to the head of RJD. On the same day, Lalu Prasad sent a letter to Singh de Ranchi, making an emotional appeal not to leave the party.
He had also written a series of letters, one addressed to Bihar’s chief minister, Nitish Kumar, demanding changes to MGNREGA’s work scheme and the development of Vaishali.
.
