Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 19 May: Top political leaders and dignitaries from across the country have expressed grief over passing of senior BJP leader Lt Gen (Retd) BC Khanduri and have condoled the bereaved family.
BJP National President Nitin Nabin described the news as extremely tragic, noting that Khanduri dedicated his entire life to the ideals of nation-building and good governance. He said his contribution to Uttarakhand’s development and his role as Union Minister for Road Transport will remain unforgettable. He prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family.
Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) also has expressed his condolences on the passing of the former CM Khanduri. While praying to God for the peace of the departed soul, the Governor conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved family members. The Governor stated that Maj Gen (Retd) Khanduri’s contribution towards the development of Uttarakhand, good governance, and the dissemination of military values to the masses will always remain memorable.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow, recalling Khanduri’s distinguished service in the Army where he exemplified discipline and dedication. He said in public life Khanduri established a strong identity of good governance, transparency and honest working style, taking several important decisions that gave new direction to development in the state. Dhami said his simplicity, forthrightness and efficiency will remain a source of inspiration, and his demise is an irreparable loss not only to Uttarakhand but also to national politics.
Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal termed the passing away of Khanduri an irreparable loss for the state and the nation. He recalled his prominent role in raising the demand for a separate Uttarakhand in Parliament and later laying the foundation of governance and development-oriented policies as Chief Minister. He said Khanduri’s example of simplicity, honesty and public service will inspire generations to come.
Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, Speaker of the Uttarakhand Assembly and Khanduri’s daughter, also conveyed her grief, while Cabinet Ministers Satpal Maharaj, Ganesh Joshi and Dhan Singh Rawat joined in mourning his death. Uniyal prayed to Goddess Kunja Puri for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family, colleagues and supporters.
Senior Congress leader Harish Rawat said Khanduri’s demise is a great loss, describing him as outstanding both as a soldier and as a person. State Congress President Ganesh Godiyal also expressed deep sorrow, calling his sudden passing an irreparable loss to the state and the nation. He said Khanduri’s entire life was devoted to service of the country and society, and his efforts as Army officer, Union Minister and Chief Minister will never be forgotten. Godiyal shared an anecdote from Khanduri’s tenure as Union Minister for Road Transport, when he supported a highway proposal for Pauri district despite political differences, showing his vision beyond party lines.
BJP’s Uttarakhand unit also expressed grief, with State President Mahendra Bhatt describing his demise as an irreparable loss to politics, public life and the party. He said Khanduri’s emphasis on probity, transparency and tough decisions gave new direction to Uttarakhand’s development.
Apart from political leaders, several MPs, scientists including DG, UCOST, Prof Durgesh Pant, social activist Anoop Nautiyal and senior citizens have remembered Khanduri’s integrity and discipline as an Army officer and later as a political leader of eminence.
