70-year-old Congress workers dies of cardiac arrest during the yatra.
70-year-old Congress workers dies of cardiac arrest during the yatra.
A 70-year-old Congress worker, who was part of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi led Bharat Jodo Yatra, has passed away after he suffered massive cardiac arrest in Maharashtra on November 8, 2022.
Krishna Kumar Pandey, a native of Nagpur, collapsed while walking in the yatra between Degloor and Atkali, Biloli in Nanded district.
“This 62nd morning of Bharat Jodo Yatra, Krishna Kumar Pandey, General Secretary of Seva Dal was holding the national flag and walking with Digvijaya Singh and me. After a few minutes, as is the practice, he handed the flag to a colleague and moved back. Thereafter he collapsed…,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said.
Pandey was taken in an ambulance to a hospital where he was declared dead. “He was a staunch Congressman and used to take on the RSS in Nagpur. It is a most humbling moment for all the Yatris,” Mr. Ramesh said.
“As a mark of respect for Krishna Kumar Pandey, the second half of the yatra will pass through silently on Tuesday without usual music system that follows,” Mr. Ramesh said.
Pandey’s body will be brought to the campsite at Atkali in Nanded district where last respects will be paid, he added.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi along with MPCC chief Nana Patole, former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, CLP Leader Balasaheb Thorat and Jairam Ramesh paid their last respect to Krishna Kumar Pandey (75) at Atkali campsite in Nanded district.
Mr. Gandhi said that Krishna Kumar Pandey’s dedication is inspiring.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pays hit tribute to Krishna Kumar Pandey.
| Photo Credit: Abhinay Deshpande
“Congress Seva Dal General Secretary, Krishna Kumar Pandey ji’s demise is very sad for the entire Congress family. I express my deepest condolences to his loved ones. Today, he held the tricolor in his hands at the last moment during the journey. His dedication to the country will always inspire us,” he said.
Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ashok Chavan said that they will conduct medical checkup to senior citizens since many yatris can’t match Rahul Gandhi’s pace.
“We have a full-fledged medical team with 25 doctors and they will conduct medical check-ups to senior citizens and people with co morbidities,” he said.
The yatra entered Maharashtra on Monday.