Congressman and freedom fighter Prabhakar Kunte passes away

Veteran Congress leader and former member of the Maharashtra legislative assembly Prabhakar Kunte passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92.

Veteran Congress leader and former member of the Maharashtra legislative assembly Prabhakar Kunte passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92.

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Kunte was instrumental in disenfranchising Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray for six years.

During the 1987 assembly elections, Kunte (who lost) challenged the verdict on the grounds that Thackeray and winner Ramesh Prabhoo, had misused religion during campaign speeches and spread hatred among communities. Kunte pursued the case till it reached the Supreme Court.

Kunte started his activism during the freedom struggle and was jailed for being a part of the Quit India movement. He also played an active role in the Samyukta Maharashtra Andolan and Goa liberation movement.

Calling the demise a great loss, chief minister Prithviraj Chavan in his condolence message said, “We have lost a great patriot. Maharashtra has lost an effective leader.”

Kunte was elected to the assembly from the Dharavi constituency and was a minister of state under the late SB Chavan.

He also headed the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) and the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).

His body will be kept till Thursday morning at the Raigad Military School, Oshiwara, which was founded by him. The cremation will be held in the afternoon.