BJP Nathdwara MLA dies after prolonged illness

Jaipur: BJP MLA Kalyan Singh Chauhan, who had defeated the then Pradesh Congress Committee chief C P Joshi by just one vote in 2008-Rajasthan assembly elections, died after prolonged illness in Udaipur.

He was 58. Chauhan was admitted to a private hospital in Udaipur and died early today, a party spokesperson said. The MLA, who represented Nathdwara constituency in Rajsamand district, is survived by wife, four sons and two daughters. His funeral will be performed in Dagwada village near Nathdwara today.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, BJP state president Ashok Parnami, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot and others condoled the death. Raje in her condolence message said that Chauhan was inseparable part of the BJP and his demise was a loss to her and the party. She is scheduled to visit and meet the grieved family members in Nathdwara today.

“Sad to learn the demise of Nathdwara BJP MLA Kalyan Singh Chauhan. My heartfelt condolences to his family members,” Gehlot tweeted. With the demise of Chauhan, the number of BJP legislators in the House of 200 has further reduced to 159 from 160. Recently, BJP lost one seat to Congress in bypolls held last month, following the death of the BJP MLA from Mandalgarh constituency.

The win had increased Congress tally in the House from 24 to 25. In 2008-assembly elections, in which Congress had emerged victorious and formed the state government led by Ashok Gehlot, Chauhan had defeated the Congress candidate C P Joshi on Nathdwara seat by just one vote.

Chauhan had got 62, 216 votes. Joshi, the president of Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee that time, was a front runner for chief ministership.