BJP Stalwart And Close Vajpayee Associate Jaswant Singh Passes Away At 82

LUCKNOW || Unwell and bed-ridden for almost six years, former union minister and BJP stalwart Jaswant Singh passed away at the age of 82 on Sunday. A former Indian Army official, he has been admitted to the Army Research and Referral Hospital after a bad fall in the bathroom in August of 2014. He had since been in and out of the medical facility and was reported to be comatose.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, defence minister Rajnath Singh and many ruling party bigwigs have mourned the demise of Singh, who held important portfolios in the NDA governments led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He was finance minister, external affairs minister and also was hugely respected for his hold on parliamentary affairs.

Condoling his death, PM Modi said, "Jaswant Singh Ji served our nation diligently, first as a soldier and later during his long association with politics. During Atal Ji's Government, he handled crucial portfolios and left a strong mark in the worlds of finance, defence and external affairs. Saddened by his demise."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Jaswant Singh served the nation in several capacities and distinguished himself as an effective minister and parliamentarian.