Satish Sharma, a familiar name during the prime ministerial tenure of Rajiv Gandhi, died in Goa on Wednesday at the age of 73. Satish Sharma had been suffering from cancer.
His son told mediapersons Satish Sharma's funeral would be held in Delhi on Friday.
Sharma was a professional airline pilot, who worked in Indian Airlines and was a close friend of Rajiv. Sharma quit his flying profession in 1983 to assist Rajiv. Sharma was popularly referred to as captain Satish Sharma, in recognition of his flying career. Sharma was considered part of the 'coterie' of young leaders, who surrounded Rajiv. However, his proximity to Rajiv also led to criticism and allegations of corruption.
Sharma was a three-time Lok Sabha MP, representing Rae Bareli and Amethi, both considered fiefdoms of the Nehru-Gandhi family. Sharma won from Amethi in 1991 after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. Sharma was also elected to the Rajya Sabha thrice from 2004 to 2016.
Sharma was minister for petroleum and natural gas in the P.V. Narasimha Rao government from 1993 to 1996.
Rajiv's children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, led tributes to Satish Sharma on Thursday morning.
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Rahul Gandhi tweeted he was "sad to hear of the demise of Captain Satish Sharma”. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweeted Sharma was "generous of heart, steadfast in friendship and loyal to the end".
Sam Pitroda, who was an adviser to Rajiv Gandhi during his tenure, described Sharma as a "personal friend". Pitroda noted, " I spent long hours working together with him during Rajiv Gandhi era. He was a loyal friend..."
