‘Khurana was a large-hearted leader’
NEW DELHI: Amid chants of “Dilli Ka Sher Amar Rahe (Long Live Lion of Delhi)”, political leaders and city residents came together to bid goodbye to former Delhi chief minister Madan Lal Khurana on Sunday. Khurana, twotime parliamentarian, passed away at his Kirti Nagar residence on Saturday night following prolonged illness. He was 83.
Remembering the veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Rajeev Singh, a resident of Kirti Nagar, said, “His generosity was acknowledged by every one. Look at the destiny, the building that houses Delhi BJP office used to be his residence. He donated the bungalow he got as South Delhi MP in 1989 to be used as party office.” “Even after death, he showed how large hearted he was by donating his eyes. I do not know anyone, from any party, who has a bad word or two to say about him,” said Sandeep Sharma, another Kirti Nagar resident. President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah and Congress leader and former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit were among those who expressed grief over Khurana’s death.
“Sad to hear of the passing of Shri Madan Lal Khurana. As chief minister of Delhi, governor of Rajasthan and Union minister, he contributed immensely to public life and particularly to the well-being of the national capital and its people,” the President tweeted.
The prime minister, who is in Japan, tweeted, “Anguished by the passing away of Shri Madan Lal Khurana Ji. He worked tirelessly for the progress of Delhi, particularly towards ensuring better infrastructure. He distinguished himself as a hardworking and people-friendly administrator, both in the Delhi government and Centre.”
Vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu, Union home minister, Rajnath Singh, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi’s lieutenant governor Anil Baijal were among those who paid tributes to Khurana at his residence.
The Delhi government also announced two-day mourning over the demise of the former CM.
“We all are deeply saddened to hear of the demise of veteran leader & former CM of Delhi Shri Madan Lal Khurana ji. As a mark of respect to the departed soul, state mourning shall be observed by Delhi govt for two days,” tweeted the Delhi’s deputy CM, Manish Sisodia, who was also present at Nigambodh Ghat crematorium.
At noon, the body of the leader was moved to Delhi BJP office at Pandit Pant Marg for paying tributes. Then a number of politicians -- senior BJP leader LK Advani, Union finance minister Arun Jaitley, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and other ministers including Harsh Vardhan, Ravi Shankar Prasad and Vijay Goel -- paid floral tributes. “It was not for no reason that Madan Lal Khurana was known as lion of Delhi. I knew him for 40 years and am witness to how he contributed to the development of the party and nation during his journey from a corporator to governor,” Goel said. CM of Delhi from 1993-96, Khurana was popularly known as ‘Dilli ka Sher’ for his efforts to strengthen BJP in the national capital. “It’s an hour of mourning. We pray for peace of the departed soul. His mortal remains will be kept at BJP-Delhi State Office today for people to pay last respects. He resides in people’s hearts,” Delhi BJP chief, Manoj Tiwari said.
The body of Khurana was then moved, atop an open truck, to the Nigambodh Ghat crematorium. BJP leaders also praised Khurana as a great administrator. Senior BJP leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra said he was also a good orator.