Dehradun, May 19: Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and senior BJP leader, Major General (Retired) Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91. He breathed his last at Max Hospital in Dehradun. His demise marks the end of an era in Uttarakhand politics, characterized by his exemplary integrity, discipline, and simplicity.
Born on October 1, 1934, in Dehradun, Khanduri received his early education before pursuing higher studies at Allahabad University, the College of Military Engineering in Pune, the Institute of Engineers in Delhi, and the Institute of Defense Management in Secunderabad. He was deeply influenced by the freedom movement during his student years.
Khanduri served in the Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers for 36 years, from 1954 to 1990. He played a crucial role in the 1971 India-Pakistan War and held significant positions, including Regimental Commander, Chief Engineer of the Army, and Additional Military Secretary at Army Headquarters. In recognition of his outstanding service, he was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 1982.
After retiring from the army, he ventured into politics. He joined the BJP during the Ram Mandir movement in the 1990s and remained with the party. Khanduri entered Parliament for the first time in 1991 after winning the Garhwal Lok Sabha seat. He successfully contested elections in 1998, 1999, 2004, and 2014.
During his tenure in Parliament, he held several key responsibilities, including Chief Whip of the BJP parliamentary party, and chaired various committees such as the Business Advisory Committee, Public Accounts Committee, and the Standing Committee on Defense from 2014 to 2018. He also played an active role in parliamentary committees related to road transport, tourism, and culture.
In the government of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he was appointed as Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Road Transport and Highways. In 2003, he was granted the status of a Cabinet Minister and contributed significantly to decisions regarding road infrastructure and highway development.
After the formation of Uttarakhand, Khanduri emerged as a prominent figure in state politics. He became the Chief Minister for the first time in 2007, leading the BJP to victory in the assembly elections. During his tenure from 2007 to 2009, he took a strong stance against corruption and prioritized administrative transparency. However, he resigned from the Chief Minister’s post following the BJP’s defeat in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.
Khanduri took the oath of office as Chief Minister for the second time on September 11, 2011. During this term, he initiated efforts to introduce a robust Lokayukta law. Unfortunately, the BJP did not secure a majority in the 2012 assembly elections, leading to his resignation once again.
Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri will be remembered in Uttarakhand politics as an honest, disciplined, and strict administrator. His daughter, Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, is continuing his legacy and currently serves as the Speaker of the Uttarakhand Assembly.
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