Congress MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary passed away on Saturday after suffering from a heart attack during the Bharat Jodo Yatra's Punjab leg. He was coming out with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from Kusht Ashram in Phillaur when he collapsed. Singh was immediately rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead. The Yatra has been suspended post this unfortunate incident.
Seniro Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to Twitter to confirm the news.
"Santokh Singh Chaudhary, aged 76, Congress MP from Jalandhar, passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest during the Bharat Jodo Yatra this morning. We extend our deepest condolences to his family. There will be some changes in schedule of the yatra which will be shared shortly," tweeted Ramesh.
Leaders across the nation have expressed their grief at the sudden demise of Chaudhary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "Pained by the passing away of MP Shri Santokh Singh Chaudhary Ji. He will be remembered for his efforts to serve the people of Punjab. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti."
"Shocked by the sudden demise of Shri Santokh Singh Chowdhary. He was a down to earth hardworking leader, a pious person and a strong pillar of the Congress family, who dedicated his life to public service from Youth Congress to Member of Parliament. I express my condolences to the bereaved family," wrote Rahul Gandhi.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted: "Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the untimely passing away of our MP, Shri Santokh Singh Chaudhary. His loss is a great blow to the party and organisation. In this hour of grief, my heart goes out to his family, friends and followers. May his soul rest in peace."
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also took to twitter and wrote, "I am deeply saddened by the untimely death of Congress Member of Parliament from Jalandhar, Santokh Singh Chaudhary.. May God rest his soul in peace.."
Expresseing condolences over Santokh Singh Chaudhary's demise Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri tweeted: "Shocked & deeply saddened at the untimely demise of my friend, former Punjab minister & Jalandhar MP Shri Chaudhary Santokh Singh Ji. Sincerest condolence to his family. RIP."
"Condolences on the demise of Lok Sabha MP from Jalandhar Shri Santokh Singh ji. In his long public life, he was always vocal on issues of public interest. Discipline in the House was the specialty of his personality. May God give peace to the departed soul. My condolences to the family members," wrote Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressing grief on his demise.
Punjab Congress chief, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said that Chaudhary's last rites will be held on Sunday. He also said that moments before dying, Chaudhary was calling for Bharat Jodo and that his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Chaudhary's residence later today. He will also attend the cremation on Sunday.