PM Modi, Amit Shah condole former Delhi CM Madan Lal Khurana's death

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah were among those who expressed condolences on the passing away of former Delhi chief minister Madan Lal Khurana. 

Khurana passed away on Saturday after a prolonged illness, his family said. Khurana, who was 82, is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters. His another son had died last month.

"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," PM Modi said in a tweet. 

"Shri Madan Lal Khurana Ji will always be remembered for the manner in which he strengthened the BJP in Delhi. He made unwavering efforts towards serving the post-partition refugees in Delhi. My thoughts and solidarity with his family and supporters," the prime minister added. 

A veteran of the BJP, Khurana was the chief minister of Delhi from 1993 to 1996 and was appointed the governor of Rajasthan in 2004.

"He breathed his last at around 11 pm at his Kirti Nagar residence here," his son Harish Khurana told PTI. He said Khurana was suffering from a chest infection and fever from last few days and was feeling breathless since Saturday morning. 

The veteran BJP leader had suffered a brain haemorrhage about five years ago and was ailing since then.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said Khurana will be remembered for his immense contribution for growth and development of Delhi.

"Deeply saddened by demise of former Chief Minister of Delhi, Shri Madan Lal Khurana. He will be remembered for his immense contribution for growth & development of Delhi. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family members and pray for his soul rest in peace," his office tweeted. 

BJP chief Amit Shah also condoled the BJP leader's death.

"Learnt of the unfortunate demise of former Delhi chief minister and BJP leader Madan Lal Khurana. He will be remembered as an ideal swayamsewak and a dedicated Vidhyarti Parishad worker and a strong pillar of the Jan Sangh and the BJP," Shah tweeted.

He had a key role in strengthening the organisation in Delhi and was popular as the 'lion of Delhi', he said. 

"On behalf of crores of BJP workers, I convey my condolences to the family of Khurana ji and pray for peace of the departed soul," Shah said.

Textiles Minister Smriti Irani tweeted, "Saddened by the demise of Madan Lal Khurana ji. As an elder he was a guide with an ever supportive outlook and kind words to spare. My condolences to his loved ones." Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed grief over Khurana's death, saying his contribution to the development of Delhi would be remembered.

Union minister Harsh Vardhan also offered his condolences.

"My heartfelt condolences to the BJP parivar and the family of our beloved former chief minister of Delhi & veteran BJP leader Shri Madan Lal Khurana ji who passed away today after prolonged illness. My thoughts and prayers are with his near & dear ones. May his soul rest in peace," he said. 

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also condoled his death. "Extremely saddened to hear the news of passing away of former Delhi Chief Minister and former Governor of Rajasthan Shri Madan Lal Khurana Ji. May his soul rest in peace," he tweeted. 

(With PTI inputs)