Varanasi: Sunil Ojha, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a close associate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, passed away today (November 29) while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Gurugram. Ojha had played a significant role in the 2014 general election.
Ojha was admitted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram when his health deteriorated, and unfortunately, he passed away at the hospital. Ojha had previously served as the coordinator of the Kashi region, and he was currently entrusted with the responsibility of being the co-incharge of the BJP in Bihar.
Sunil Ojha, a close aide to PM Modi
Sunil Ojha, originally from Gujarat, was considered to be the closest leader to Prime Minister Modi. Oja was among the select few leaders who had direct access to meet PM Modi. Ojha was called 'Mr Dependable' of PM Modi. It started from Rajkot 21 years ago, when PM Modi entered electoral politics.
PM Modi contested his first election in 2002, and during that time, Sunil Ojha served as the election in-charge for Rajkot. It was in this role that Ojha established his reputation as 'Mr Dependable', showcasing his wisdom and dedication. It is believed that Sunil Ojha has a longstanding association with PM Modi, dating back to the time when Modi held the position of Organization General Secretary.
He played a significant role in general elections. He previously served as the coordinator of the Kashi region. In 2014, when PM Modi announced his candidacy for the elections from Varanasi, Sunil Oja came to Kashi from Gujarat to make the election strategy.
Before moving to Bihar, Sunil Ojha served as the co-incharge of Uttar Pradesh. Later, he was entrusted with a more significant role by being appointed as the co-incharge in Bihar.
Sunil Ojha was in talks due to his association with the Gadouli Dham Ashram located in Mirzapur district near Varanasi. He was responsible for overseeing the development of the Gadouli Dham Ashram on the banks of the river. Many prominent leaders and dignitaries, including several other influential figures, gathered at the ashram under his leadership.
Sunil Ojha was a two-time MLA
Sunil Ojha, who started his political career from Bhavnagar South seat in Gujarat, twice served as the legislator from there on the ticket of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). At one point, Bhavnagar was a stronghold of the Congress. However, Sunil Ojha played a crucial role in turning the tide, and the credit for capturing this stronghold still stands with him. He had been associated with PM Modi for almost 20 years, earning the Prime Minister's trust and confidence.
In 2007, when the BJP did not grant him a ticket, Sunil Ojha contested the elections as an independent candidate but lost the election. Following this, there was a period of estrangement between him and Prime Minister Modi. It was believed that when Narendra Modi, as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, took a strong stance against illegal construction, Sunil Ojha initiated a campaign that led to tension between them during Modi's tenure as Chief Minister.
After leaving the BJP, Sunil Ojha formed a separate party named Mahagujarat Janata Party. However, in 2011, he reconciled with Narendra Modi and was appointed as the spokesperson for the Gujarat BJP. In 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to contest the elections from Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, he entrusted Sunil Ojha, along with Arun Singh and Sunil Deodhar, with the responsibility of winning the elections and sent them to Varanasi.
JP Nadda expresses grief
BJP National President JP Nadda has expressed grief over the demise of Sunil Ojha. In a post on X, Nadda said, "The untimely demise of Sunil Ojha, senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party and co-incharge of Bihar BJP, is extremely saddening. Ojha Ji dedicated his entire life to public service and organizational work. His departure is an irreparable loss for the BJP family. I express deep condolences to the grieving family members and pray to God for the peace of the departed soul."
(Report: Ashwini Tripathi)
