The Uttarakhand government on Tuesday declared three days of state mourning after the death of former chief minister Major General (Retd) Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri.
The three-day state mourning will be observed from May 19 to May 21, an official order stated. During this period, the national flag will fly at half-mast on all government buildings in the state.
All official programmes have been called off by the state government for the duration of the mourning period.
The last rites of the former chief minister will be performed with full state honours on Wednesday. All state government offices will remain shut on Wednesday as a mark of respect for the departed leader.
The veteran leader passed away around 11 am, his daughter and Uttarakhand Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan said. Khanduri is survived by his wife Aruna, son Manish, and daughter Ritu Khanduri Bhushan. He had been suffering from age-related health issues and was hospitalised several times in recent months.
PM, President express grief over Khanduri’s demise
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday expressed sorrow over the demise of former Uttarakhand chief minister Major General (Retd) Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri.
President Murmu described Khanduri’s journey from military service to public life and said his passing is deeply saddening. “After serving with distinction in the Indian Army, he set an example of honesty, simplicity, transparency and development-oriented politics in public life,” Murmu said in a post on X. She said his commitment to development, good governance and public welfare in the country and Uttarakhand will always be remembered. The President also extended condolences to his family members and well-wishers.
Expressing grief, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Khanduri made important contributions in both the armed forces and politics. Modi said Khanduri’s strong commitment to the development of Uttarakhand was clearly visible during his tenure as chief minister. The Prime Minister also praised his work as a Union minister and said he worked continuously to strengthen road connectivity across the country. “In this hour of grief, my condolences are with his family members and supporters. Om Shanti!” Modi said in a post on X.
Also read: Former Uttarakhand CM Khanduri passes away at 91
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