Ex-Guv Swaraj Kaushal passes away; PM, others pay tributes

Former Mizoram Governor and senior advocate Swaraj Kaushal passed away on Thursday following a sudden cardiac arrest at his Delhi residence, prompting an outpouring of condolences from political leaders across the country. He was rushed to AIIMS by his daughter and Lok Sabha MP Bansuri Swaraj.

In a post on micro-blogging platform ‘X’, President Droupadi Murmu condoled Kaushal’s passing.

“Saddened to know about the demise of Shri Swaraj Kaushal ji, former Governor of Mizoram, former Member of Parliament and a distinguished legal luminary. His contributions will always be remembered...,” she said in the post.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, describing Kaushal as a distinguished lawyer who used the legal profession to uplift the underprivileged. In a message on X, he recalled Kaushal’s tenure as India’s youngest Governor and his “lasting impression” on the people of Mizoram. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended condolences to his daughter Bansuri and the family.

Kaushal, husband of the late External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, had a prominent career in law and public service. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remembered Kaushal as a committed legal practitioner who believed firmly in the power of law to uplift the underprivileged. He highlighted Kaushal’s popularity in Mizoram during his term as the governor and his respected contributions as a Rajya Sabha MP. “My deepest condolences to MP Bansuri Swaraj and the family,” he said in his tribute.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju called Kaushal a “distinguished public figure whose wisdom and dedication earned immense respect”.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal also joined in, posting on X, “Saddened to hear about the passing of Shri Swaraj Kaushal ji, former Governor of Mizoram and a distinguished legal luminary. His contributions to public life and the legal fraternity will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Om Shanti.”

After the completion of formalities at AIIMS, his mortal remains were brought to the Bansuri Swaraj’s home at 10, Talkatora Road. Throughout the evening, a steady stream of senior leaders, ministers and MPs visited to pay their respects.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Kiren Rijiju and BJP national vice-president Baijayant Jay Panda were among those who laid floral tributes.