Veteran Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Rajasthan Jagannath Pahadia has passed away due to the COVID-19 at the age of 89 on Wednesday. Pahadia was receiving treatment at a private hospital in Delhi and after knowing his demise, several leaders are paying tribute to the deceased politician. 

Pahadia had served as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan from June 1980 to July 1981 and he was the first Dalit to serve as the Chief Minister in one of India's largest states. Pahadia was a junior-level minister in the Union government for many years and he was a member of the 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 7th Lok Sabha where he represented the Sawai Madhopur parliamentary constituency in the lower house of the parliament. 

After serving as the Chief Minister, Pahadia had served as the Governor of Bihar from March 3rd, 1989 to February 2nd, 1990. Later, he had served as the Governor of Haryana from 2009 to 2014 under the UPA regime. Pahadia was born in Bhusawar city in Rajasthan in a Dalit family on 15th January 1932 to Nathilal Pahadia and Chanda Devi. Jagannath had earned an M.A and LL.B. 

Pahadia's wife Shanti was also a Lok Sabha MP and he was also admitted to the hospital in Delhi. According to reports, the current state government of Rajasthan has announced one-day mourning on Thursday during which the government offices will be closed and the national flag will fly at half-mast. 

A cabinet meeting was held at 12 noon on Thursday and paid condolences to Pahadia and the last rites of the deceased leader will be held with full state honour. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot took to Twitter and wrote, "Pahadia left us because of Covid. I am very shocked by his demise. He had a lot of affection for me right from the beginning." The Chief Minister said that Pahadia's demise is a personal loss for him. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the national leaders to pay tribute to Jagannath Pahadia. Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister said, "Saddened by the demise of former Rajasthan CM, Shri Jagannath Pahadia Ji. In his long political and administrative career, he made noteworthy contributions to further social empowerment. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti."

Saddened by the demise of former Rajasthan CM, Shri Jagannath Pahadia Ji. In his long political and administrative career, he made noteworthy contributions to further social empowerment. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2021