‘Anguished’: PM Modi condoles Chetan Chauhan’s demise, calls him a ‘wonderful cricketer, diligent political leader’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condoled the death of former cricketer and UP cabinet minister Chetan Chauhan who succumbed to Covid-19 related complications.

“Shri Chetan Chauhan Ji distinguished himself as a wonderful cricketer and later as a diligent political leader. He made effective contributions to public service and strengthening the BJP in UP. Anguished by his passing away. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti,” PM Modi tweeted.

Shri Chetan Chauhan Ji distinguished himself as a wonderful cricketer and later as a diligent political leader. He made effective contributions to public service and strengthening the BJP in UP. Anguished by his passing away. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2020

Former cricketer and UP cabinet minister Chauhan died on Sunday due to Covid-19 related complications, his brother Pushpendra Chauhan said.

Leaders across the political spectrum paid tribute to Chauhan, who played 40 Test matches for the country and also served as a cabinet minister in the Yogi Adityanath government. He held the portfolios of Sainik Welfare, Home Guards, PRD and Civil Security. The BJP leader was earlier elected to Lok Sabha twice. He is the second UP minister to have succumbed to coronavirus.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh said he is deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Chauhan and recognised his efforts of raising issues related to land and public.

उ.प्र. सरकार में मंत्री और पूर्व क्रिकेटर चेतन चौहान जी के असामयिक निधन से मुझे गहरा दुःख पहुँचा है।अपनी राजनीतिक पारी के दौरान उन्होंने हमेशा ज़मीन और जनता से जुड़े मुद्दों को उठाया।वे एक नेकदिल और भले व्यक्ति के रूप में जाने जाते थे।उनके शोकाकुल परिवार के प्रति मेरी संवेदनायें।

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 16, 2020

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath took to Twitter to condole the demise of his Cabinet colleague and said, “The disturbing news was received of the untimely demise of Shri Chetan Chauhan, a former international player, my colleague in the Cabinet. Lord Shree Rama, the family of Shri Chauhan Ji have the power to bear this immense grief and give the departed soul a place at your Shri feet. Om Shanti.”

पूर्व अंतरराष्ट्रीय खिलाड़ी, मंत्रिमंडल में मेरे सहयोगी, श्री चेतन चौहान जी के असामयिक निधन का व्यथित कर देने वाला समाचार प्राप्त हुआ।

प्रभु श्री राम, श्री चौहान जी के परिजनों को इस अपार दुःख को सहने की शक्ति एवं दिवंगत आत्मा को अपने श्री चरणों में स्थान प्रदान करें।

ॐ शांति

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) August 16, 2020

Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu lauded Chauhan’s “immense contribution towards development of cricket” and also noted his political run as Member of Parliament for two terms.

Deeply saddened by the passing away of former cricketer and UP minister, Shri Chetan Chauhan ji.

He made immense contribution towards development of cricket and also served as the Member of Parliament for two terms.

My condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanti! pic.twitter.com/tbTnAELXTg

— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) August 16, 2020

Chauhan is the second UP minister to have succumbed to coronavirus.