Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and Union Minister Major General (retd) Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri was cremated with full honors at Kharkhari crematorium in Haridwar on Wednesday, in the presence of senior political leaders, security personnel and a large number of people.
Khanduri, known for bringing military discipline to public service, personal integrity and simplicity, died in Dehradun on Tuesday at the age of 91.
Military and police personnel provided a guard of honor as the veteran leader was bid farewell. His son Manish Khanduri lit the funeral pyre.
Khanduri’s daughter, Uttarakhand Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, said her father would be remembered as a leader who combined military discipline with public service.
Among those present were Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, former Maharashtra Governor and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshyari, former Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna, former Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, former Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat, Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta, Rajya Sabha MP Anil Baluni and former Union Minister Ajay Bhatt. Along with many ministers, MLAs and saints.
Extending his condolences, Dhami said that Khanduri’s death was an irreparable loss for both the state and the country. He said that the former chief minister was an example of transparency and discipline during his tenure in the army, the Union government and the state government, adding that his directives would always be remembered.
Describing Khanduri’s life as a symbol of simplicity, discipline and honesty, Khattar said the former prime minister carried out every responsibility, be it as an army officer, federal minister or prime minister, with dedication and his contributions to good governance and institutional reforms will continue to inspire generations to come.
On Dhami’s directions, the state government declared a public holiday on Wednesday and declared three days of official mourning from May 19 to 21. During the mourning period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast in all government offices and no official entertainment programs will be held, officials said.
Khanduri served in the army for almost four decades (1954-1991) and rose to the rank of Major General before joining politics. He was first elected to the Lok Sabha from Garhwal constituency in Uttarakhand in 1991. Re-elected four times, Khanduri built a reputation as a disciplined and principled parliamentarian. He served as the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways between 2000 and 2004.
