New Delhi: In a sudden turn of events, Congress Leader and Leader of Opposition in the Uttarakhand Assembly, Indira Hridayesh passed away due to a cardiac arrest in New Delhi on Sunday.
According to the media reports, the 80-year-old Indira had gone to attend a party meeting at the Uttarakhand Sadan in New Delhi where she suffered a cardiac arrest.
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Congress MLA from Haldwani, Hridayesh had tested positive for COVID-19 in April this year and had undergone a heart surgery after her recovery. On Saturday, the senior congress leader had attended a party meeting chaired by party in-charge for Uttarakhand Devendra Yadav in New Delhi.
Upon learning the sudden demise of Hridayesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and several other ministers and leaders across political parties extended condolences.
"Dr. Indira Hridayesh Ji was at the forefront of several community service efforts. She made a mark as an effective legislator and also had rich administrative experience. Saddened by her demise. Condolences to her family and supporters. Om Shanti," the prime minister said in a tweet.
Congess president Sonia Gandhi also mourned Hridayesh's demise and said, "Indira Hridayesh leaves behind a legacy of public service as an MLA, MLC, minister and leader of Opposition in Uttarakhand."
"She was a dedicated lifelong Congressperson. She was particularly popular amongst her colleagues for her knowledge of legislative processes and procedure as also her performance as an able administrator. Her contribution to the Congress party will be treasured and cherished by all," Sonia Gandhi added.
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Condoling her demise, Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat in a Twitter post in Hindi said she played a significant role in the politics of both Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand for four decades.
Senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Dhirendra Pratap, Subodh Uniyal, Harish Rawat, Pritam Singh and Pradeep Tamta were among the others who paid tributes to the departed leader.