Who was Girija Vyas, former Union minister who died aged 78?
Senior Congress leader and former Union minister, Dr. Girija Vyas, left for the heavenly abode at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated public service and a life of unwavering commitment to the Congress party. Her passing away has sent shockwaves across the country, with tributes pouring in from all corners.
Born on October 1, 1944, Girija Vyas was a stalwart of Indian politics, having served the country in various capacities throughout her career. She was a four-time Lok Sabha MP, representing the Kota constituency in Rajasthan. Her political journey began in the early 1990s, when she was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1991. She went on to win three more elections, in 1996, 1999, and 2009.
Girija Vyas’s political career was marked by significant milestones. She was the Union Deputy Minister of Information and Broadcasting during the Narasimha Rao government. Her tenure saw significant reforms in the media sector, including the introduction of private news channels. Later, she became the Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation in the UPA-II government, led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Her ministry focused on providing affordable housing and improving the living conditions of the urban poor.
In addition to her national roles, Girija Vyas was also a prominent leader in her home state of Rajasthan. She was the President of the Rajasthan Congress from 1999 to 2004, a position that gave her significant influence in the state’s political landscape.
Throughout her career, Girija Vyas was known for her strong oratory skills and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life. She was a fierce advocate for women’s empowerment and was instrumental in pushing for policies that benefited women and the marginalized.
Girija Vyas’s death was a tragic accident. According to reports, she sustained severe burn injuries while trying to extinguish a fire in her residence in Jaipur. Despite receiving medical attention, her injuries proved fatal, and she passed away on November 15, 2022.
The news of her passing away sent shockwaves across the political spectrum, with leaders from across the country paying their tributes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a statement, remembered Girija Vyas as a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot described her as a “shining star” of the Congress party, who left an indelible mark on the state’s politics.
As news of her passing away spread, condolences poured in from all corners. Congress leaders, including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, former President Pranab Mukherjee, and senior leader Kapil Sibal, paid their tributes to Girija Vyas, remembering her contributions to the party and the country.
Girija Vyas’s passing away is a significant loss for the country, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of politicians. Her commitment to public service, her dedication to the Congress party, and her tireless efforts to improve the lives of the marginalized will always be remembered.
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