CM, BJP leaders bid emotional farewell to former CM BC Khanduri at party office in Doon

my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 20 May: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today paid floral tributes to former Chief Minister Maj Gen (Retd) Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri at the BJP State Headquarters on Balbir Road in Dehradun and bid him a tearful farewell. Earlier the CM also visited the residence of Khanduri when the mortal remains were being taken to the BJP Office and for the funeral. On this occasion, shouldered the mortal remains during the procession.
Paying homage, Dhami observed that the entire life of Maj Gen (Retd) BC Khanduri was devoted to discipline, simplicity, honesty and service to the nation. He said the contribution made by Khanduri towards the development of Uttarakhand and public welfare would always be remembered by the people of the state and termed his demise an irreparable loss for Uttarakhand.
Later, as the mortal remains reached the BJP Office, an atmosphere of deep grief and emotion prevailed as the party leaders, the party workers and members of the public gathered in large numbers to pay their last respects to the veteran leader. Floral wreaths, garlands and flowers were offered on the mortal remains of Khanduri, while emotional scenes were witnessed across the party office premises. Slogans of “Khanduri Amar Rahein” echoed throughout the headquarters as BJP workers and supporters, holding flowers in their hands and tears in their eyes, bid farewell to their beloved leader.
The mortal remains of Khanduri were brought to the BJP headquarters amid floral showers by people at various places en route. Since morning, a large number of party workers, former servicemen, public representatives, social organisations and common citizens had assembled at the headquarters to pay homage to the former Chief Minister, former Union Minister and senior BJP leader. Leaders and workers also met grieving family members, including his daughter, Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, and son Manish Khanduri, and conveyed their condolences. Many senior leaders were seen with moist eyes while prayers were offered for the peace of the departed soul.
After the final public tributes, the mortal remains were taken to Kharkhari Ghat in Haridwar for the last rites.
Speaking on the occasion, Dhami said Khanduri symbolised honesty, discipline and simplicity in Uttarakhand politics. He said Khanduri’s efforts towards transparency and good governance in public life would always be remembered. The Chief Minister said the works undertaken by the late leader in the fields of road connectivity, administrative reforms and public welfare would continue to inspire future generations. He added that Khanduri’s life was a shining example of total dedication towards national service and public service, and people should strive to imbibe those ideals in their own lives.
BJP State General Secretary (Organisation) Ajaey Kumar also recalled Khanduri’s political, social and military contributions and said the example he set through clean politics and moral values would be remembered for a long time. He said the demise of Khanduri was an irreparable loss not only for Uttarakhand but also for the BJP organisation, though his work and ideals would continue to inspire party workers.
Several leaders, ministers, legislators and office-bearers present during the tribute ceremony described Khanduri as a grounded and simple personality who always listened seriously to the problems of common people and worked sincerely for their resolution.
Among those present to pay homage at the BJP headquarters were Member of Parliament Ajay Bhatt, Cabinet Ministers Dhan Singh Rawat, Khajan Das and Bharat Chaudhary, BJP State General Secretaries Kundan Parihar and Deepti Rawat, Dehradun Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal, MLAs Arvind Pandey and Munna Singh Chauhan, office-bearers Madhu Bhatt and Vinod Uniyal, State Office Secretary Jaganmohan Rawat, State Media In-charge Manveer Chauhan and Dehradun Metropolitan President Siddharth Agrawal, besides a large number of senior BJP leaders, ministers, legislators, workers and supporters. Representatives of several social, business and ex-servicemen organisations also offered floral tributes to the departed leader.
Former Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat and several other public representatives were also present during the final tribute ceremony.