Former minister Kewal Singh Pathania passes away at 88

Former minister and two-time MLA Kewal Singh Pathania, popularly known as ‘Bajjia,’ passed away this morning at his native village, Bassa-Waziran in Nurpur. A symbol of honesty and simplicity in state politics, Pathania led a humble life as an agriculturist and fruit grower, residing in a small slate-roofed house. He had been suffering from age-related ailments for the past few months.

His cremation took place with full honours in his village. The police and local administration paid floral tributes, while a wreath was laid on behalf of the state government by the Nurpur Tehsildar. A police contingent, in the presence of Nurpur DSP Vishal Verma, accorded him a guard of honour.

Thousands of people from various walks of life attended his funeral, including former minister and ex-MLA Rakesh Pathania, as well as former MLA Rajesh Thakur. Rakesh Pathania praised him as a humble and people-centric leader who set an example of simplicity. Representatives from various government departments also paid their respects. His son, Rajiv Pathania, performed the last rites.

Pathania was known as the arch-rival of Congress stalwart and former minister Sat Mahajan. He contested four Assembly elections against Mahajan, first winning as an Independent candidate in 1972. After losing in 1977 and 1982, he joined Janata Dal and won again in 1990. Later, he switched to Congress and was elected from Jawalamukhi in 1993, serving as Transport Minister in Virbhadra Singh’s cabinet. After this term, he retired from electoral politics. Pathania’s legacy of integrity and simplicity continues to inspire many in state politics. — OC