Former Gujarat chief minister Madhavsinh Solanki passed away in Gandhinagar at his residence on Saturday. He was 93.
Born on July 30, 1927, in Piludra, Gujarat, Madhavsinh was a five-time chief minister of Gujarat. In the early 1990s, he also served as external affairs minister.
Among his three children are Bharatsinh Solanki, former Gujarat Congress president.
For Gujarat and especially the Congress, an era has come to an end with his passing away.
Madhavsinh Solanki was the proponent of KHAM theory (Kshatriya, Harijan, Adivasi [tribal], Muslim) to consolidate supporters and that had helped the party bag 149 out of the 182 Assembly seats in the 1980s, a record that still stands.
Madhavsinh is credited with several welfare schemes, including making girls’ education free.
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His last rites will be held in Gandhinagar. Condolences have started pouring in, cutting across party lines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Madhavsinh Solanki. Modi tweeted, "Shri Madhavsinh Solanki Ji was a formidable leader, playing a key role in Gujarat politics for decades. He will be remembered for his rich service to society. Saddened by his demise. Spoke to his son, Bharat Solanki Ji and expressed condolences. Om Shanti."
Modi added, "Beyond politics, Shri Madhavsinh Solanki Ji enjoyed reading and was passionate about culture. Whenever I would meet him or speak to him, we would discuss books and he would tell me about a new book he recently read. I will always cherish the interactions we had."
