Former Union Minister and four-term Gujarat Chief Minister Madhavsinh Solanki passed away on Saturday at the age of 93. He was also the External Affairs Minister in the PV Narasimha Rao government.
Several noted leaders condoled the death of the nonagenarian Congressman including President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“In the demise of Shri Madhavsinh Solanki, the nation has lost an unmatched leader. He will be long remembered as much for his role in shaping modern Gujarat as for his inimitable warmth, charm, and love for literature. My condolences to his family and well-wishers,” said the President in his condolence message.
Modi said, “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.”
The Prime Minister 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.”
Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, too, expressed sadness at Solanki’s death. ‘He will be remembered for his contribution in strengthening the Congress ideology & promoting social justice. Heartfelt condolences to his family & friends,” said the leaders.
Solanki is credited to bring the ‘Mid-day Meal’ initiative which is still benefitting the students in schools across the country. He also started the girl child nurturing scheme ‘Kanya Kelavani’ in Gujarat. Solanki served as the state’s CM for four terms between 1976 and 1990 and was the longest-serving Chief Minister of the state before Narendra Modi.
He is also remembered for cobbling together the KHAM (Kshatriya, Harijan or Dalit, Adivasi, Muslim) social coalition to gain electoral upper hand in Gujarat in the 1980s.
The late politician’s son, Bharat Solanki, is a former Gujarat Congress chief and former Union Minister.