BJP MP of Ambala, Haryana and former Union Minister Rattan Lal Kataria has passed away on Thursday - May 18 at the age of 71 due to health related ailments. After learning about his demise, several BJP leaders including Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar have paid tribute to the deceased leader and expressed condolences to the bereaving family. 

Recently, Kataria was admitted to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh after initial complaints of pneumonia. He later had developed other health complications and he remained in the hospital for treatment. It has been reported that he had a heavy fever for the past few days and has been under continuous observation from the medical team. 

However, his health had deteriorated on Wednesday and eventually, Kataria breathed his last at around 3.30 am on Thursday. Kataria served as Union Minister of State in the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment from May 2019 till July 2021. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Ambala constituency thrice- 1999, 2014, and 2019. 

Kataria had also served as the BJP Haryana unit chief from 2000 to 2003 and he was also a minister in the Haryana government. Kataria was a prominent Dalit face in BJP and as his demise has shocked the BJP leaders across the nation, several leaders are expressing their condolences to the family members. Kataria is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son. 

Haryana Chief Minister Khattar said that he is deeply saddened by the demise of Kataria and after visiting Kataria's residence along with Haryana Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta, the Chief Minister said that Kataria had always raised his voice in Parliament for the benefit of society and the progress of the people of Haryana. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and wrote, "Pained by the passing away of MP and former Minister Shri Rattan Lal Kataria Ji. He will be remembered for his rich contribution towards public service and social justice. He played a key role in strengthening BJP in Haryana. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti."