Raipur: Former president of BJP's Chhattisgarh unit and prominent tribal leader Shivpratap Singh died at a private hospital here after a prolonged illness.
He was 72.
"Singh, who was admitted to NHMMI Hospital for kidney-related ailment last week, died last night," BJP spokesperson Sachhidanand Upasane told PTI today.
Chief Minister Raman Singh today visited the hospital and paid tribute to Singh who had also served as Rajya Sabha MP.
A prominent tribal leader from Surguja region in north Chhattisgarh, he had been elected for Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly thrice in 1977-1980, 1989-1992 and 1992-98 while he was appointed as the minister of state for tribal welfare, Government of Madhya Pradesh in 1989-92.
From 2003-08 he served as MLA of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly.
Singh was also appointed as vice-chairman, Surguja Northern Region Development Authority in 2004, and continued till July 2006.
He was elected to Rajya Sabha in April 2008.
Singh was also appointed as Member, Committee on Energy, and Member, Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment in Parliament.
His mortal remains are being taken to his native village Sonpur in Surguja district, where his final rights will be performed tomorrow.
Chief Minister Raman Singh expressed deep condolence over Singh's demise
"We have lost a veteran leader forever, who was a great source of inspiration for entire state, country and society," Singh said in his condolence message.
"He was a simple person, who dedicated his entire life for betterment of farmers, labourers and the people belonging to the last row of the society," he said.
