Former Union Minister And Close Friend Of Rajiv Gandhi, Satish Sharma Passes Away

New Delhi, February 18 (TNA) Former union petroleum minister and close friend of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, Satish Sharma passed in Goa around midnight. He was 74.

He was petroleum minister between 1993 and 1996 and was known for his proximity to the Gandhi clan. He was a professional pilot and one of the closest to late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Amethi after the sudden and tragic death of Rajiv Gandhi at the hands of a human bomb in 1991. He was thrice elected to the Rajya Sabha as well. Many Congress leaders have paid tributes to Sharma and remembered him as a cordial person who encouraged young blood in politics.

Sharma is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.