Senior Congress leader Bansi Lal dead

Considered the architect of modern Haryana, he was Chief Minister of the state for four times, the first being in 1968 and the last from 1996 to 1999.

Senior Congress leader and former Haryana Chief Minister Bansi Lal died in New Delhi on Tuesday night, family sources said.

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He had been unwell for quite some time, they said.

Considered the architect of modern Haryana, Bansi Lal was the chief minister of the state for four times, the first being in 1968 and the last from 1996 to 1999.

He was a key and controversial figure during the Emergency for his proximity to Sanjay Gandhi. During that time, he was the Defence Minister.

Later, in his political career, he parted ways with Congress and set up Haryana Vikas Party before returning to the parent party ahead of last year's assembly elections.