Chhattisgarh paid a tearful adieu to Bhanupratappur MLA and Deputy Speaker of Chhattisgarh Assembly Manoj Singh Mandavi on Sunday. He was cremated with full state honours and a day of state mourning was observed.
Expressing grief, Governor Anusuiya Uikey said that Mandavi played a crucial role in development of the state. His death is an irreparable loss.
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said he was elected to the assembly in 1998 in undivided Madhya Pradesh and to the Chhattisgarh Assembly from Bhanupratappur in 2013 and 2018.
Mandavi was also the President of the Chhattisgarh Tribal Development Council. Holding several positions, he worked diligently for the uplift of the tribal society and development of his area.
In his message, Speaker Dr. Charan Das Mahant said Mandavi was simple, easygoing and soft spoken. The state has lost an experienced tribal politician. It is an irreparable loss for all, he said
Leader of Opposition Narayan Chandel called his death a great loss to the state. Mandavi has left an indelible mark with his work as Deputy Speaker. He was a simple and brave mass leader.
PCC President Mohan Markam said the Congress has lost a hardworking leader full of immense possibilities. The tribal society has lost a strong voice.
BJP state president and MP Arun Sao said Mandavi earned a special place in politics with his work and behaviour. He was a popular leader of the state.
The Chief Minister, The Speaker, cabinet Ministers and other leaders were present at the cremation held with state honours at Mandavi’s home village Nathianwagaon in Kanker district.
Manoj Singh Mandavi was in his village Nathianwagaon when he suffered a heart attack early Sunday. He was rushed to a private hospital in Dhamtari where he was declared dead. The body was then taken back to his village.