BJP leader K.L. Sharma dead

NEW DELHI, Dec 17 (PTI) — Senior BJP leader and party Vice-President K L Sharma died in the wee hours today following a cardiac arrest.

Mr Sharma (75) complained of uneasiness and was rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital where he was declared “brought dead”.

Born in Multan (in Pakistan), Mr Sharma, a bachelor, started his political career as a member of the RSS.

A pall of gloom descended on Mr Sharma’s 4, Ferozshah Road residence, as several political stalwarts lined up to pay homage to the departed soul.

Among the mourners were Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee who described him as a “dedicated leader” and said “whatever task was assigned to him, he carried it out with full devotion.”

Mr Vajpayee, who placed a wreath on his body, said he had dedicated his entire life to the party and the nation service.

Mr Sharma, who was a member of 11th and 12th Lok Sabha and also the Rajya Sabha, was described by party President Kushabhau Thakre as a “trouble shooter” and said “whenever we faced any problem, he always used to solve it.”

He said Mr Sharma’s demise had created a void which would not be easy to fill.

Among others who placed wreaths on his body were former Prime Minister Chandrashekar, Lieut Governor of Delhi Vijai Kapoor, Home Minister L K Advani, Textiles Minister Kashiram, Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dixit and RSS Chief Rajinder Singh alias Rajju Bhaiyya.

President K.R.Narayanan in his condolence message, described Mr Sharma as a committed social worker who “dedicated his life to public service and actively participated in programmes for the welfare of the weaker sections”.

He also noted that as a parliamentarian, Mr Sharma had made a significant contribution. “He will be remembered as a mature and sagacious leader of repute,” the President said.

The Rajya Sabha mourned Mr Sharma’s death by observing a minute’s silence. He was a member of the Rajya Sabha between 1990 and 1996.

A suave and staunch soldier of the RSS movement, Mr Krishan Lal Sharma was among few political leaders who led the cadres from the front.

Expressing grief over Mr Sharma’s demise, Gujarat BJP chief Rajendrasinh Rana said in his condolence message that Mr Sharma had played a crucial role in expanding the base of the erstwhile Jana Sangh and later of the BJP throughout the country.

Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M Karunanidhi also mourned his death.

The mortal remains of Mr Sharma were consigned to the flames at Nigambodh Ghat in presence of a large number of political leaders and admirers.

The pyre was lit by his elder nephew Vipin Sharma amidst chanting of Gyatri Mantra.