This three-time Dabwali MLA a Devi Lal loyalist

Tribune News Service

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Chandigarh, April 19

Mani Ram, a three-time MLA from Dabwali, passed away at Fortis Hospital in Mohali on Sunday after a protracted illness. He was 87.

He is survived by eight daughters and a son, Dr Sita Ram, who represented the Dabwali Assembly constituency on two occasions.

Mani Ram was born in Chautala village of Sirsa on April 10, 1933. Mani Ram was Assistant Food and Supplies Officer in Haryana when he resigned and Devi Lal fielded him from Dabwali in 1977. He won the election and emerged victorious twice again — in 1987 and 1996.

His son Dr Sita Ram, a dental surgeon, won from this seat in 2000 and 2005. Throughout his political career, Mani Ram remained loyal to Devi Lal and his son, former Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala.

He served as chairman of Primary Land Development Bank, Haryana, and Haryana State Co-operative Supply and Marketing Federation Limited. Old-timers described him as a soft-spoken leader who was very popular among the people.

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar expressed grief and condolences on the death of former MLA and said his demise was great loss to the state.

Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda offered his condolences and said the departed leader would always be remembered.

Senior INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala described Mani Ram as a committed political leader who served his people wholeheartedly.

“He always remained loyal to the policies of Chaudhary Devi Lal though efforts were made to win him over many times. He will always be remembered for his qualities of honesty and commitment,” he said.