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Three-time BJP MLA from Chinchwad Laxman Jagtap dies after long battle with cancer
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator from Chinchwad Laxman Jagtap passed away at private hospital early Tuesday morning after battling against cancer for the past three years, doctors treating him said
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator from Chinchwad Laxman Jagtap passed away at private hospital early Tuesday morning after battling against cancer for the past three years, doctors treating him said. He was 59.
Jagtap was first elected to state assembly in 2004, and later re-elected in 2014 and 2019. Before becoming legislator, he represented Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation as a corporator from 1986 onwards for almost two decades.
This is second major loss within a fortnight to BJP whose another MLA from Kasba Peth in Pune Mukta Tilak died last month due to cancer.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his condolence message said, “Pained by the passing away of MLA in the Maharashtra Assembly Shri Laxman Jagtap Ji. He made a great contribution to public welfare and for the development of Pune and the surrounding areas. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.”
The last rites on Jagtap were conducted with full state of honours at a crematorium in Pimpri-Gurav.
“Jagtap made his mark through his political journey from a corporator to mayor and then to MLA. With his passing away, we have lost a young leadership, who, through his hard work created his own space,” said Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in his condolence message. Shinde earlier visited Jagtap’s residence in Pimple Gurav and paid homage.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also visited Jagtap’s residence. Recalling Jagtap’s contribution in the victory of BJP candidates during last year’s Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council polls, Fadnavis said, “He was a true warrior who fought till the end. His passing away is a big loss to us.”
Fadnavis was mainly instrumental in bringing Jagtap in BJP fold five years ago.
Jagtap’s proximity to BJP grew in 2014 just before assembly elections. His joining BJP resulted in party’s unprecedented victory in Pimpri-Chinchwad civic elections in 2017 where BJP was otherwise a non-entity.
Few months ago, Jagtap was seen as travelling to Mumbai in ambulance to cast his vote during Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council polls. As part of treating cancer, Jagtap went to United States last year. Despite battling serious illness such as cancer, Jagtap continued to attend party meetings and pursued development works in his constituency.
“This is very unfortunate incident for BJP. Passing away of Laxman Jagtap is losing like a family member. His health condition deteriorated a month ago,” said Pune district guardian minister Chandrakant Patil.
Before inching towards BJP, Jagtap was also known as right hand man of NCP leader Ajit Pawar.
In his condolence message, Ajit Pawar said, “Jagtap was very close to me even after joining party. His death has created a void in Pimpri-Chinchwad’s political space.”
Jagtap was a fitness enthusiast, who loved horse riding. He was known for development in suburbs of Pimpri-Chinchwad, on its western parts. As corporator and later as legislator, Jagtap pushed for development of roads and footpaths in Pimple Gurav, Pimple Saudagar, Sangvi, Wakad, Kalewadi, which were part of the Chinchwad constituency represented by Jagtap.
