Dharamshala, September 30 (Daily Kiran) : A wave of sorrow has swept through Himachal Pradesh following the death of Major Vijay Singh Mankotia, a five-time MLA from Shahpur and former minister. His passing has been described as an irreparable loss to the political landscape of the state by BJP legislator Sudhir Sharma and former minister Sarveen Chaudhary.
Sudhir Sharma expressed deep regret, stating, “This is an irreparable loss for Himachal Pradesh’s politics, especially for Kangra district, where he was a vocal advocate. His leadership was marked by integrity, and he belonged to a generation of politicians that is now rare.” He recalled knowing Mankotia since childhood and highlighted his significant contributions to Shahpur and Kangra.
Sharma further lamented the absence of state honors during Mankotia’s funeral. He noted, “It is unfortunate that the administration and state government seem unaware of the traditional practice of honoring former ministers. If the government continues this approach, it will be deeply regrettable.”
Former minister Sarveen Chaudhary reflected on Mankotia’s broad acceptance across political lines, having contested elections with the BSP before joining the BJP. She emphasized the love and support he received from the people of Shahpur. “His passing at the age of 88 is a profound loss,” she said. Chaudhary described his final moments as peaceful, noting that he was engaged in his daily routine when a sudden heart attack claimed his life.
Another female leader remarked on the successful tenure of Mankotia, stating, “His funeral was marked by a guard of honor. Guidelines dictate that state funerals receive official recognition, but as a former minister, we ensured he received appropriate honors.”
The community continues to mourn the loss of a leader whose impact was felt far and wide, as they remember his legacy and contributions.
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