Senior BJP leader, former MP Minister Paras Chandra Jain passes away
Ujjain, Aug 3
Senior BJP leader and former Madhya Pradesh Minister Paras Chandra Jain passed away on Monday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Indore, the family said. He was 73.
Jain, a six-time MLA from Ujjain North, had been admitted to the hospital after complaining of fluid accumulation in his lungs. He died during treatment.
A veteran BJP leader, Jain served as a minister in successive BJP governments in Madhya Pradesh between 2005 and 2018. During his tenure, he handled several key portfolios, including School Education, Higher Education, Energy, Forest, Food and Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection.
Popularly known as "Paras Pahalwan" for his passion for wrestling, Jain represented the Ujjain North Assembly constituency six times -- in 1990, 1993, 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018.
Despite holding several important positions in the government, he remained closely connected with people and was often seen travelling on his scooter through Ujjain to meet residents and spend time with them over tea and snacks.
He is survived by his wife and two children. His last rites will be performed in Ujjain later on Monday.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over Jain's demise and paid tribute to the veteran leader. "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of senior BJP leader, former minister and former Ujjain North MLA Paras Chandra Jain ji. I offer my humble tributes to him. I pray to Baba Mahakal to grant the departed soul a place at His holy feet and give the bereaved family the strength to bear this immense grief," CM Yadav said in a post on X.
State BJP president Hemant Khandelwal and several other party leaders and workers also condoled Jain's death, describing it as a great loss for the party. "The news of the demise of senior BJP leader and former state minister Paras Chandra Jain ji is deeply saddening. His life, dedicated to public service and the ideology of the organisation, will continue to inspire party workers. His contributions will always be remembered," Khandelwal wrote on X, while extending condolences to the bereaved family.
Jain's death marks the end of a long political career spanning over three decades, during which he remained one of the BJP's prominent faces in the Malwa region.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Sad news indeed. Even though I don't support BJP, I have to admit that Paras Pahalwan was a respectable leader who always prioritized Ujjain's development - especially the ghats and the Mahakal corridor initiative. He will be missed across party lines. Heartfelt condolences to his family. 💐
I used to see him every morning at the wrestling akhada near Narsingh Ghat. He was genuinely passionate about promoting wrestling culture in Malwa. A leader who actually understood sports and youth. My father was a huge fan of his work in the Education Department too. RIP Paras bhai.
Six-time MLA from the same constituency speaks volumes about his connection with the people. In an era where politicians become inaccessible after winning, he was always approachable. Ujjain has truly lost a grassroots leader. Baba Mahakal will definitely give him a place at His feet.
Very sad. But I hope the BJP will now focus on developing Ujjain North the way he always wanted. His vision for the city should be carried forward. He may have been a politician, but he was also a true Mahakal bhakt and an Ujjain patriot at heart.
Watching this from Canada, it's heartening to see a politician who remained humble despite holding high office. The scooter story reminds me of our local councillors back home. Leaders like him pass away but their legacy in the hearts of Ujjain's people lives on forever.
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