Chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and other leaders of the BJP paid tributes to the Late cabinet minister Prakash Pant at the party state office on Thursday. Rawat said that Pant had been associated with him as a worker and prominent state leader for 30 years. He handled various responsibilities from that of a ward member and MLC, MLA to that of Vidhan Sabha Speaker and cabinet minister handling various portfolios. In the Assembly, he was like a guardian, always cooperating in finding solution to any problem faced in the state. “Before he went to USA for treatment, I met him in Delhi and told him that as a fighter he would win the battle against the ailment. He replied that he would fight the ailment, return and live to the age of 88 years but destiny willed otherwise. His departure has left a void in parliamentary system here. We pray that the lord grant his salvation and his family the strength to bear this pain,” said the CM.
The BJP State president Ajay Bhatt, State minister Dhan Singh Rawat and other party leaders also paid homage to Pant.
Earlier, in the Assembly, the Speaker Prem Chand Agrawal presided over a tribute gathering. He later recalled Pant’s skills as the Parliamentary Affairs minister in providing convincing replies to sharp questions raised by the opposition. He also appreciated the role played by Pant as the first Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha.