New Delhi: Senior Congress leader and former Haryana Governor Mahavir Prasad on Sunday passed away here after a prolonged illness.
Prasad (71), who was suffering from various ailments, was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital a few days back. He breathed his last at the hospital today, sources at the Haryana Bhawan said.
Prasad, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, was Union Deputy Minister of Railways from February 1988 to July 1989 and Minister of State for Mines and Steel in the Department of Mines from July 1989 to December 1989. He was also Minister of Small Scale Industries and Agro and Rural Industries in UPA-I.
He was also Governor of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. The Haryana Government declared a three-day state mourning in honour of Prasad.
"As a mark of respect to the departed leader, during the period of State mourning the National Flag would fly at half mast throughout the State on all buildings and there would be no official engagement," an official release said
here tonight.
Haryana Governor Jagannath Pahadia and Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda expressed shock and grief over Prasad`s death.
Hooda described Prasad as a dedicated Congress leader, an able Parliamentarian and a great social worker. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati said Prasad discharged his duties in different capacities and made
contribution towards the nation in his long political career.
Prasad would be cremated at his native place Barhalganj in Gorakhpur tomorrow.
PTI
