Guwahati: Former governor of West Bengal, Bihar and two other states, Keshari Nath Tripathi breathed his last at the age of 88 on Sunday at his home in Prayagraj of Uttar Pradesh.
“Keshari Nath Tripathi had recently fallen in his house following which he broke his collarbone. Three days ago, he came back home after being discharged from a hospital. Today (on Sunday) at around 5.00 am, he breathed his last,” his daughter-in-law Kavita Yadav Tripathi said.
Tripathi, who was born in Allahabad on November 10, 1934, held the position of governor of West Bengal from July 2014 until July 2019. Prior to that, he held additional responsibilities during brief terms as the governor of Bihar, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
He served as the state’s Cabinet minister for institutional finance and sales tax from 1977 to 1979 under the Janata Party’s rule. He was a six-time member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
Tripathi, a poet and author, served as the BJP’s president in Uttar Pradesh for a while and was a senior advocate at the Allahabad High Court.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow and described Tripathi as the key man in building the saffron party in the northern state.
“Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi Ji was respected for his service and intellect. He was well versed in Constitutional matters. He played a key role in building BJP in UP and worked hard for the state’s progress. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” he tweeted.
In a statement issued here, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi was a senior and experienced politician. He had a deep knowledge about parliamentary rules, traditions and law. He was an expert lawyer and sensitive litterateur. His death has caused irreparable loss to society.”
Expressing condolence over the passing away of Tripathi, former Speaker of UP Legislative Assembly, Hriday Narayan Dixit tweeted in Hindi, “Deeply pained by the death of senior BJP leader, former Governor of West Bengal and former Speaker of UP Legislative Assembly — respected Keshari Nath Tripathi ji.”
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya too expressed his sorrow on the legendary leader’s passing. He referred to Tripathi as “our patron” and the “pride of Prayagraj.”
Speaker of UP Legislative Assembly Satish Mahana also sent his condolences for Keshari Nath Tripathi’s passing.
Tripathi, a three-time speaker of the UP Legislative Assembly, , was hospitalised due to a fractured hand as well as breathing problems and diseases associated with ageing.