Former UP CM Ram Naresh Yadav passes away

Lucknow, November 22

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ram Naresh Yadav, whose name had cropped up in the Vyapam scam, passed away here this morning after a prolonged illness. He was 90.

Yadav, who served as Madhya Pradesh Governor from 2011-September to 2016, breathed his last at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences here at 9.15 am, Congress sources said.

Yadav’s name had figured in the Vyapam scam, a multi-crore scandal in the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board, which involved several high-profile professionals, politicians and bureaucrats.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court had later quashed the FIR filed against him in connection with the scam, holding that he enjoyed immunity while in office.

His son, Shailesh, whose name had also figured in the scam, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Lucknow in March last year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Governor Ram Naik expressed grief over the demise of the Congress veteran hailing from Azamgarh.

“The Prime Minister has condoled the passing away of former UP CM & MP Governor, Shri Ram Naresh Yadav,” the PMO said in a tweet.

Naik offered condolences and prayed for peace for the departed soul, whereas Akhilesh said, “Ram Nareshji had always worked for the welfare of the poor and deprived and his death is an irreparable loss.”

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Public Relations Minister Narottam Mishra also expressed grief over his demise.

After completing his tenure in Madhya Pradesh, he had not been keeping well and was undergoing treatment at the PGI, sources said.

The body will be kept at his residence here for the supporters to pay respects. He is likely to cremated in his hometown, they said. — PTI