Himachal CM Sukhu mourns demise of former minister Major Vijay Singh Mankotia
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu and Jairam Thakur express grief over the passing of former minister and five-time Shahpur MLA Major Vijay Singh Mankotia.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow following the passing of former minister Major Vijay Singh Mankotia. The veteran political leader breathed his last at his native village, Tiara, located in the Kangra district, at the age of 87.
A Legacy of Service in Himachal Pradesh
While offering his condolences, CM Sukhu highlighted the profound impact Mankotia had on the state's progress. He specifically noted the significant developmental work carried out in the Shahpur Assembly constituency of Kangra. According to the Chief Minister, the community will long remember Mankotia's dedicated efforts toward social welfare and the upliftment of the people.
The Chief Minister offered prayers for the departed soul, asking the Almighty to grant peace to the deceased and provide the bereaved family with the fortitude to endure this irreparable loss.
A Storied Political Career
Major Vijay Singh Mankotia was a prominent figure in Himachal politics, having been elected to the Vidhan Sabha five times, in the years 1982, 1985, 1990, 1993, and 2003. His ministerial portfolio was extensive, serving as the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Law during two separate stints: from 1995 to 1998 and again from March 2003 to July 2004.
His political journey was marked by shifting allegiances and a complex relationship with various parties:
- 1985: Joined the Congress under the leadership of Rajiv Gandhi and secured victory from Shahpur.
- 1990: Moved to VP Singh's Jan Morcha/Janata Dal, winning the Shahpur seat once again.
- 2007: Contested as the Chief Ministerial candidate for the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), though he was not successful in that bid.
- Later Years: Despite several departures due to political friction, he frequently returned to the Congress party, including a rejoining ahead of the 2012 elections.
Mankotia's career was also closely intertwined with former Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. He first entered the ministerial ranks in 1993 under Virbhadra Singh's administration, and it was also under Virbhadra Singh's leadership that Mankotia won his final election in 2003.
Political Leaders Pay Tribute
The news of his passing drew reactions from across the political spectrum. Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur took to social media to express his heartbreak. In a post on X, Thakur remembered Mankotia as a stalwart who represented the Shahpur constituency five times.
"The news of the demise of former MLA and ex-Minister Major Vijay Singh Mankotia ji... is extremely heartbreaking," Thakur stated. He concluded his tribute by praying for the peace of the departed soul and for strength to be bestowed upon the grieving family and supporters.