Former U'khand CM Khanduri's last rites held with full military honours, emotional tributes paid
Haridwar, May 20
Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and veteran Bharatiya Janata Party leader Major General Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri was cremated with full military honours in Haridwar on Wednesday, as political leaders, saints, and supporters paid heartfelt tributes to the veteran leader remembered for his discipline, integrity, and contribution to the development of the state.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, former Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna, BJP MP Anil Baluni, and several senior leaders attended the last rites in Haridwar.
Paying tribute to the late leader Khanduri, Dhami said the former Chief Minister's entire life was exemplary and would continue to inspire future generations.
"Whether as an Army officer serving the nation at the borders, as the Chief Minister of the state, or as a Union Minister, his discipline, adherence to rules, punctuality, and all such admirable qualities will continue to inspire us," the Chief Minister added.
Former Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna described former CM Khanduri as a leader who dedicated himself completely to the service of Uttarakhand and its people.
"The way he (Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri) is being honoured today reflects the life he lived. He served Uttarakhand with dedication, whether as an MP, Minister, or Chief Minister. He worked for everyone and always brought people together. He was like an elder brother. Today, we are deeply saddened," Bahuguna said.
BJP MP Anil Baluni recalled Khanduri's contribution to road connectivity and infrastructure development in Uttarakhand during his tenure as the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways in former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's NDA government (2000-2004).
"When we used to travel from Kotdwar to Dehradun, many accidents occurred. As soon as Khanduri became the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, he addressed all the gaps. Uttarakhand will never forget that. He created a network of highways that connected the entire region," Baluni said.
Spiritual leader Kailashanand Giri Maharaj also paid tribute to the late leader Khanduri, calling him a "divine personality" for Uttarakhand.
"He (Former CM Khanduri) made many efforts and contributed immensely to Uttarakhand. During his time, he encouraged many politicians and emerging leaders. He was highly talented and always wanted Uttarakhand to reach the highest level," he said.
Khanduri, a former Army officer who rose to the rank of Major General, was widely respected for his clean image and administrative discipline. He served as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand twice and also held key portfolios in the Union government.
His demise has been widely mourned across political and social circles, with leaders cutting across party lines remembering his contribution to public life and the development of Uttarakhand.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It is rare to see such respect from all sides of the political spectrum. Khanduri ji was known for his straight talk and punctuality—qualities we desperately need today. But let's also remember that development in Uttarakhand still has miles to go, especially in remote hill areas. Hope his legacy inspires real action.
Major General Khanduri was a rare combination of military discipline and political acumen. When he was Union Minister, I remember the improvement in road quality between Rishikesh and Badrinath. We need more leaders like him who understand ground realities. His departure is a great loss for Uttarakhand. 🕊️
The full military honours were very fitting for a man who served the nation both in uniform and as a politician. But I also think we should remember that Khanduri ji faced criticism for his strict style sometimes—that shows he wasn't afraid to take tough decisions. A leader with spine, something our politics lacks today.
Emotional to see this. I'm from Kotdwar and I've heard my father talk about how Khanduri ji personally oversaw road widening projects to reduce accidents. He was a man of action, not just speeches. May his soul rest in peace. Uttarakhand will remember him forever. 🙏
While I respect his service, I think we should also acknowledge that his tenure as CM wasn't without controversies—especially around the Char Dham project. That said, his personal integrity was unquestionable. It's a good time for leaders to reflect on what ethical politics really
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.