Political leaders mourns the death of Former India Opener and UP minister Chetan Chauhan

Chauhan died on Sunday due to COVID-19 related complications after being put on life support for nearly 36 hours.

Chauhan, who was 73, was serving as the Minister of Sainik Welfare, Home Guards, and Civil Security in the Uttar Pradesh cabinet. He is survived by his wife and son Vinayak.

The political class, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday mourned the death of former India opener Chetan Chauhan, who wore many hats in his illustrious career.

"Shri Chetan Chauhan Ji distinguished himself as a wonderful cricketer and later as a diligent political leader. He made effective contributions to public service and strengthening the BJP in UP," PM Modi wrote on his twitter handle.

"Anguished by his passing away. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti," he added.

Vice-President of India M Venkaiah Naidu said, "Deeply saddened by the passing away of former cricketer and UP minister, Shri Chetan Chauhan ji.

"He made immense contribution towards development of cricket and also served as the Member of Parliament for two terms. My condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanti!" he tweeted from his official handle.

Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his grief.

"Shri Chetan Chauhan, minister in the Uttar



Pradesh government and former cricketer, served the country first as a sportsman and later as a public servant.

"His death is a great loss for Indian politics and cricket. I express my condolences to his family. Om Shanti," Shah tweeted in Hindi.

President of India Ram Nath Kovind says, Sad to hear that UP cabinet minister Shri Chetan Chauhan is no more. A cricketer par excellence, Shri Chauhan was a down to earth politician and an outstanding parliamentarian. Condolences to his family, friends and countless fans.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath informed that Chauhan's last rites will be performed on Monday.

"My colleague and former cricketer #ChetanChauhan ji has passed away. This is an irreparable loss for people of Uttar Pradesh and the world of cricket. His last rites will be performed tomorrow," the CM tweeted.

In his condolence message, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said he was "anguished" by Chauhan's death.

"I am deeply anguished to learn of the passing away of Shri Chetan Chauhan. I have spent so much time with him when he was Indian cricket team's manager," Ganguly said in a statement.

"Not only was he a tough opening batsman but was a person with a tremendous sense of humour and had a tremendous attachment to Indian cricket.