Former Gujarat governor and veteran BJP leader Om Prakash Kohli passed away on Monday at the age of 87. Kohli served as the 19th governor of Gujarat from 2014 to 2019. He also served as the governor of Madya Pradesh and Goa.
Kohli was ailing for some time and was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Noida. His last rites will be performed on Tuesday.
The news of his demise was shared by his grand daughter Karnika Kohli. "My grandfather Om Prakash Kohli, former governor of Gujarat and Raja Sabha MP, has passed away. His funeral will be held at 11:30 am tomorrow at Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi," she tweeted.
Condoling the death of Kohli, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he played a key role in strengthening the party in the national capital.
"Saddened by the passing away of Shri OP Kohli Ji. He played a key role in strengthening our party in Delhi. As MP and Governor, he focused on issues of public welfare. He was also passionate about the education sector. My thoughts are with his family. Om Shanti," PM Modi tweeted.
Known for is organisational abilities, Kohli had also worked as president of RSS' students body Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. He served at various positions in the BJP, especially in its Delhi unit. He was also elected to Rajya Sabha.
Kohli, who was also a leading academician, taught at Hansraj College and Deshbandhu College in Delhi for many years.
Several party leaders took to social media to express their condolences for the leader's demise.
"OP Kohliji in his long public life earned a lot of respect for his efficiency and scholarship. He was the Governor of Gujarat and also played an effective role in strengthening the BJP in Delhi. I am deeply saddened by his demise. May God give strength to his family," tweeted Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said OP Kohli would always be remembered for his easy-going personality and his contributions to the field of education.
"He has lived a life as a dedicated activist towards ideology and organization. He has an important contribution in strengthening the party and the organization. Along with being an educationist, politician, Kohli ji has also been a good writer," wrote Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.