New Delhi: Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Shri Prakash Jaiswal passed away on Friday at the age of 81. The veteran politician, who had been ailing for a long time, breathed his last at the Cardiology Hospital in Kanpur after his health deteriorated sharply in the evening. Doctors declared him dead shortly after his admission.
Shri Prakash Jaiswal, a four-time Member of Parliament from Kanpur, was among the prominent faces of the Congress during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era. He served as Minister of State for Home Affairs from 2004 to 2009, and later as the Cabinet Minister for Coal between 2009 and 2014 in Dr. Manmohan Singh’s government. Known for his administrative acumen and strong presence in parliamentary debates, Jaiswal commanded respect across party lines.
A Political Journey Rooted in Kanpur
Born on September 25, 1944, in Kanpur, Shri Jaiswal began his political journey at the grassroots level. Rising through the ranks, he served as the president of the Kanpur City Congress Committee and went on to become the joint secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee.
He entered the Lok Sabha from Kanpur for the first time in the early 1990s and was re-elected in 1996, 2004, and 2009. During his tenure as Coal Minister, he focused on regional development and policy reforms. As Minister of State for Home Affairs, he was actively involved in internal security and law-and-order issues.
Long Illness, Final Hours
Shri Jaiswal had been unwell for several months. According to family members, his condition worsened significantly on Friday morning. By evening, he was rushed to the Cardiology Hospital in Kanpur, where doctors pronounced him dead. Initial reports suggest heart-related complications as the primary cause of death.
Nation Pays Tribute
The news of his demise has triggered a wave of condolences from political leaders across the country. Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party leader Rahul Gandhi expressed deep grief, remembering him as a dedicated public servant and a steadfast Congress loyalist.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and leaders from various parties also extended their condolences. Political representatives in Kanpur have announced a joint condolence meeting to honour his legacy.
Shri Prakash Jaiswal’s final rites will be performed in Kanpur on Saturday morning.
His passing marks the end of an era for Kanpur’s political landscape and for the Congress party, which loses one of its most experienced and steadfast leaders.
