Politics – Veteran BJP Leader B.C. Khanduri Passes Away at 91
Politics – Former Uttarakhand chief minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri died on Tuesday at the age of 91 after prolonged health-related complications linked to old age. He passed away at a private hospital where he had been receiving treatment for the past several days.
Family Confirms Demise
The news of Khanduri’s death was confirmed by his daughter, Uttarakhand Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan. According to family members, the veteran leader breathed his last around 11 am. He is survived by his wife Aruna, son Manish, and daughter Ritu.
Over the past few months, Khanduri had reportedly been facing several age-related medical issues and was admitted to hospitals multiple times for treatment and observation.
Distinguished Career in Army and Politics
Popularly known as “General Sahab” among political workers and supporters, Khanduri had a long and respected public career that began in the Indian Army. He retired with the rank of major general before stepping into active politics.
Known for his disciplined approach and straightforward style of functioning, Khanduri earned a reputation as a leader who focused strongly on administration and accountability. His military background often reflected in his political work, especially in matters related to governance and infrastructure.
Two-Term Chief Minister of Uttarakhand
Khanduri first became the chief minister of Uttarakhand in 2007 after the BJP secured victory in the Assembly elections. However, he resigned from the post in 2009 after the party failed to win any of the five Lok Sabha seats in the state. At the time, he accepted moral responsibility for the defeat.
He later returned to the top post in 2011 and continued to play a major role in shaping the state’s administrative structure and development policies.
During his political career, Khanduri also served in the Union Cabinet under former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the minister for Road Transport and Highways.
Contribution to National Highway Development
One of the most significant achievements associated with Khanduri was his role in advancing the Golden Quadrilateral highway project. The ambitious road network initiative connected major metropolitan cities across different regions of India and became one of the country’s most important infrastructure developments.
Political observers often credited him for pushing forward large-scale highway expansion projects with administrative efficiency and clear execution plans.
Condolences Pour In From Leaders
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over Khanduri’s passing and described it as a major loss for both Uttarakhand and national politics.
In his condolence message, Dhami praised Khanduri’s dedication to public service and his contribution to the country during his years in the Indian Army. He also highlighted the former chief minister’s emphasis on transparent administration and clean political practices.
The chief minister said Khanduri played a key role in giving direction to the state’s development through several important policy decisions. He further noted that the veteran leader’s simple lifestyle, honesty, and administrative capability would continue to inspire future generations.
Remembered for Clean Public Image
Throughout his public life, Khanduri maintained an image of integrity and discipline. Supporters and political colleagues across party lines often regarded him as a leader who preferred governance over political theatrics.
His death marks the end of an important chapter in Uttarakhand politics, where he remained one of the most recognised faces of the BJP for decades