Former Union Minister Jaswant Singh passed away in New Delhi this morning following  prolonged illness. He was 82. He was admitted to Army’s Research and Reffereal Hospital in Delhi on 25th June. The Hospital said, he was being treated for sepsis with multi-organ dysfunction syndrome and effects of severe brain injury. After a fall at his residence six years ago in 2014, he had suffered a serious head injury and had slipped into coma.
 

One of the founding members of the Bharatiya Janata Party Jaswant Singh served as Minister of Defence, External Affairs and Finance and also Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission. He was elected to  the Lok Sabha four times and to Rajya Sabha five times and served as Leader of Opposition in the Upper House. He was NDA’s nominee in the Vice Presidential election in 2012.

 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief on the passing away of Jaswant Singh. In a tweet Mr Modi said, Jaswant Singh Ji served our nation diligently, first as a soldier and later during his long association with politics. He said, during Atal Ji’s Government, he handled crucial portfolios and left a strong mark in the worlds of finance, defence and external affairs. Mr Modi said, Jaswant Singh Ji will be remembered for his unique perspective on matters of politics and society. He has also contributed to the strengthening of the BJP. Mr Modi said, he will always remember their interactions. He expressed condolences to his family and supporters. The Prime Minister spoke to his son Manvendra Singh and expressed condolences. He said, true to his nature, Jaswant Ji fought his illness with immense courage for the last six years.

 
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also expressed pain at the passing away of the veteran leader and former minister. In his message, Mr Singh said he served the nation in several capacities including the charge of Defence Minister. He said Jaswant Singh distinguished himself as an effective Minister and Parliamentarian.

 
Expressing grief, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said Jaswant Singh Ji was an associate of Atal ji and his experience of administration was seen in the Vajpayee government.