Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri, aged 91, passed away at a private hospital in Dehradun after battling a prolonged illness. His death has saddened many in the state and political circles. Khanduri, a former Major General, breathed his last at Max Hospital in Dehradun, where he was receiving treatment for age-related health issues.
Born on October 1, 1934, in Dehradun, Khanduri had a distinguished career in the Indian Army spanning 36 years. He served in various capacities, including as a Regimental Commander and Chief Engineer. Khanduri actively participated in the 1971 India-Pakistan War and was honored with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 1982 for his service to the nation.
Transitioning to politics in the 1990s, Khanduri joined the Bharatiya Janata Party during the Ram Mandir movement. He won the Garhwal Lok Sabha seat four times and served as the Minister of State for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Khanduri’s tenure saw significant advancements in India’s highway infrastructure, notably the Golden Quadrilateral project.
In 2007, Khanduri became the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, focusing on governance reforms and accountability measures. Despite a brief resignation in 2009, he returned for a second term in 2011. His daughter, Ritu Bhushan Khanduri, is the current Speaker of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly. Khanduri’s demise has elicited tributes from various quarters, recognizing his integrity, discipline, and contributions to public life.
