Veteran Congress leader RK Dhawan, a close aide of former PM Indira Gandhi, dies at 81
He was reportedly suffering from cancer and age-related ailments.
Veteran Congress leader and former Union minister RK Dhawan died at the BLK Hospital in New Delhi on Monday. He was 81. He is survived by his wife.
The former Rajya Sabha member, who was a close aide of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was admitted to hospital for age-related ailments last Tuesday. The immediate cause of his death was septicaemia (bloodstream infection) and acute kidney injury, PTI reported, citing a hospital source. “He was suffering from cancer,” the source said. He was admitted on July 31 with complaints of weakness and other ailments, and was shifted to the ICU on August 2 as his condition deteriorated.
Dhawan was Indira Gandhi’s personal secretary from 1962 to 1984 and was among her inner circle of leaders during the Emergency. He was the minister of state (independent charge) for housing and urban development during 1995-1996 and served on several parliamentary committees. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1990.
Several Congress leaders, including former President Pranab Mukherjee, expressed their condolences on Twitter.
Deeply shocked at passing away of Shri RK Dhawan. Though he was ailing I had never expected that the end will come so soon. A close associate and colleague in Party and Government, he will forever be fondly remembered.
— Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) August 6, 2018
Our homage to veteran Congress leader, Sh. R.K.Dhawan, who breathed his last today. His tireless spirit, immeasurable commitment & untiring dedication to the Congress ideals will always be remembered. RIP. pic.twitter.com/Lx3LKAKK4Y
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) August 6, 2018
With the sad demise of R.K. Dhawan an era has really ended. I remember meeting him way back in 1977 for first time when I was a 12 years old. My father Late Dr. VN Tewari was writing a book on Mrs Gandhi ‘12 Willingdon Crescent’ where Mrs Gandhi stayed during a difficult period. pic.twitter.com/GBYtAYZO1d
— Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) August 6, 2018
Heartfelt tributes on the demise of veteran @INCIndia leader Sh. R.K.Dhawan ji. His passing away has left a huge hole in the #CongressFamily and the society. I pray that God rests his soul in #peace and grants his friends and family the #strength to bear this immense pain. pic.twitter.com/pdk8A0lNr2
— Dr. C.P. Joshi (@drcpjoshi) August 6, 2018
Tributes to senior Congress leader Sh. R K Dhawan ji. In his passing we have lost a guardian and a guiding light. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/CX4ihKIpfG
— Raj Babbar (@RajBabbarMP) August 6, 2018
Saddened by the passing away of senior Congress leader n former RajyaSabha MP Sh. RK Dhawan ji... His contribution for congress party will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family members in this hour of grief. May god give them strength to bear this loss. RIP
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) August 6, 2018
Shocked & saddened at the demise of Shri RK Dhawan Ji. Had worked closely with him in @INCIndia and would always remember him as an astute politician and loyal soldier of the party. May he rest in peace and may God give his family the courage to bear the loss.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) August 6, 2018