Uttarakhand: Chandan Ramdas merged in five elements, cremated with state honors, many leaders including CM Dhami arrived to pay tribute
People gathered in Bageshwar to pay their last respects to Uttarakhand cabinet minister Chandan Ramdas. All the leaders including former Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari came to pay homage to him. At the same time, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has also reached Bageshwar. A three-day state mourning has been declared in the state on the death of Chandan Ram Das. Dhami cabinet will always miss Chandan Ram Das. Direct, simple and known for his witty style, Chandan Ram Das was well-liked among his cabinet colleagues. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had a special attachment with him. He was a laboratory of politics for many budding legislators and politicians. Experts believe that after contesting the first assembly elections in the year 2007, he won the elections of 2012, 2017 and 2022 due to his political grip, efficient election management and straight and simple personality. Other colleagues in the cabinet also used to receive advice and guidance from him, influenced by his long political experience.
Funeral with state honors
Cabinet minister Chandan Ram Das has merged with Panchatattva. He was cremated with state honors at the confluence of Saryu-Gomti and extinct Saraswati river. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, former CM Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Ministers Subodh Uniyal, Saurabh Bahuguna, Rekha Arya, BJP State President Mahendra Bhatt, District President Indra Singh Farswan, Kapkot MLA Suresh Gadia etc. paid their tributes by placing a wreath on his body. District Magistrate Anuradha Pal and SP also offered a wreath. The funeral pyre was lit by his sons Gaurav Das and Bhaskar Das. A contingent of police gave him the final salute.
Who is the successor?
People’s eyes are fixed on who will be his successor after Das. The first number may belong to Das’s wife Parvati Das. The BJP has been giving importance to the wives of late leaders. A direct example of this is that of BJP’s strong leader Prakash Pant. On his death, his wife Chandra Pant was given ticket by the BJP. If seen from this point of view, Parvati Das, wife of Chandan Ram Das, could be his successor. A lot will also depend on his (Parvati Das) wish. However, Das’s successor is expected to come from Das’s own family. Das’s son Gaurav Das can also take over his father’s legacy. The matter of legacy will depend to a great extent on the attitude of the BJP organization. As per rules, elections will be held on Bageshwar assembly seat within six months. It will depend on him (BJP) as to whom Bhaju will make Das’s successor.
