Former MP Mahant Avaidyanath passes away

Gorakhpur (UP): Former MP Mahant Avaidyanath, who had been in the forefront of the movement for Ram Temple in Ayodhya, died here tonight after prolonged illness.

He was 95.

Avaidyanath, also a former MLA, had been ailing for the past few months and was admitted to Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon. He was brought back here this evening.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Mahant Avaidyanath, saying "he will be remembered for his patriotic zeal and determined efforts to serve society."

"Saddened over the demise of Mahant Avaidyanath ji. He will be remembered for his patriotic zeal and determined efforts to serve society," the Prime Minister said.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh and UP BJP president Laxmikant Bajpai also condoled his death.