Veteran BJP functionary and former Union minister Prof Chaman Lal Gupta breathed his last at his residence in Jammu on Tuesday after recovering from Covid-19. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of the senior politician.

Gupta, 87, died days after undergoing successful treatment for Covid-19 at a hospital, a family member said. He had tested positive on May 5 and returned from the hospital on Sunday after testing negative for the disease.

The official Twitter handle of the PM said: “He was a dedicated legislator and strengthened the BJP across Jammu & Kashmir. Pained by his demise. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”

Union minister Dr Jitendra Singh also condoled the demise of the stalwart in a message on Twitter. “Demise of Prof Gupta, who was an inspiration, founding member of Bhartiya Jan Sangh, and who strengthened the BJP, is a big loss. My condolences.” Dr Singh tweeted.

A three-time MLA, Gupta became a member of the J&K Legislative Assembly for the first time in 1972 and was then elected in 2008 and 2014. In between, he was elected to the 11th Lok Sabha from Udhampur-Doda–Kathua constituency in 1996 and got re-elected to the 12th and 13th Lok Sabha in 1998 and 1999, respectively. He was Union minister of state, ministry of civil aviation, between October 13, 1999 and September 1, 2001; junior minister (independent charge), ministry of food processing industries (September 1, 2001-June 30, 2002) and junior minister for defence (July 1, 2002-2004).

Israeli Prez calls to family of Indian caregiver killed in rocket attack from Gaza

Tamil Nadu government releases details of CM relief fund inflows, expenses

Cyclone Tauktae has no effect on UAE: National Centre of Meteorology says

Indonesia kicks off private vaccination scheme using Chinese vaccines