Uttarakhand Minister Surendra Rakesh dies of Cancer

Uttarakhand Transport and Social Welfare Minister Surendra Rakesh died Saturday after a protracted battle with cancer, a government spokesman said. Rakesh, 44, died at a Gurgaon hospital. A Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA, Rakesh was part of the Harish Rawat-led Congress government. Following his demise, a meeting of the state cabinet, which was scheduled for the day was cancelled, an official said.
The state government has announced three-day state mourning as a mark of respect for the departed leader. Rakesh’s body is being flown to Bhagwanpur, his legislative constituency, where it would be received by Chief Minister Harish Rawat, officials said. His cremation will take place there in the presence of family members, relatives and cabinet colleagues. (IANS)