Madan Lal Saini, Rajasthan BJP chief, dies at 75; Narendra Modi says his demise is major loss to party

Jaipur/New Delhi: Rajasthan BJP president Madan Lal Saini died on Monday while undergoing treatment at AIIMS in Delhi, a party spokesperson said. Saini, also a Rajya Sabha MP, was 75. He was diagnosed with infection in lungs and was admitted at a private hospital in Jaipur. On Saturday, he was shifted to Delhi owing to his deteriorating health conditions and was being treated under the Hematology Department at AIIMS. [caption id=“attachment_6873291” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Madan Lal Saini. Twitter/@MPMadanSaini[/caption] “He was later shifted to the ICU after his condition further deteriorated. He passed away today around 7.09 pm,” a source at AIIMS said. Saini was appointed BJP state president last year. He was a former MLA and RSS volunteer who held various posts in the Bhartiya Kisan Morcha as well. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and said Saini’s death was a major loss for the BJP. “The passing away of Shri Madanlal Saini ji is a major loss for the BJP family. He contributed to strengthening the party in Rajasthan. He was widely respected for his congenial nature and community service efforts. My thoughts are with his family and supporters. Om Shanti,” he tweeted. Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu said, “Saddened by the sudden demise of Shri Madan Lal Saini, Member of Rajya Sabha. In his extensive public life as an MP, MLA and State BJP President in Rajasthan, he served with distinction. My profound condolences to bereaved family members and followers. May his soul rest in peace.” Chief minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed grief over Saini’s demise and said, “Shocked and saddened to hear about the passing away of Sh. Madan Lal Saini ji, President of BJP #Rajasthan. My thoughts and prayers are with his family members. May God give them strength to bear this loss. May his soul rest in peace.”