Ahmedabad: Former foreign minister and Congress veteran Madhavsinh Solanki, who had also served as chief minister of Gujarat, died in Gandhinagar on early Saturday morning, Congress leaders said. He was 93.
“The death of Madhavsinh Solanki has brought extreme grief. May God give peace to his soul. He had made place in the hearts of people by his actions and deeds,” Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda, who is also a relative of Solanki, tweeted.
He had served as External Affairs Minister from June 1991 to March 1992. Solanki was a two term MP of Rajya Sabha from Gujarat.
He had floated an idea of an alliance of Kshatriya, Harijan, Adivasi and Muslim (‘KHAM’) castes and communities in Gujarat for Congress to win elections.
He had been the longest serving chief minister of the state before Narendra Modi became chief minister.
His son Bharatsinh Solanki is also a former Union minister.
I am saddened by the passing away of veteran Congress leader and former Chief Minster of Gujarat Shri Madhavsinh Solanki. He was one of the most well read and widely travelled leaders that I have known.
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 9, 2021
Saddened to hear about the demise of Shri Madhavsinh Solanki Ji, the former CM of Gujarat.
My prayers are with his followers and family in this hour of grief. May his departed soul rest in peace.
— Rabindranath Mahato (@Rabindranathji) January 9, 2021
Shri Madhavsinh Solanki Ji was a formidable leader, playing a key role in Gujarat politics for decades. He will be remembered for his rich service to society. Saddened by his demise. Spoke to his son, Bharat Solanki Ji and expressed condolences. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2021
Saddened by the demise of Shri Madhavsinh Solanki.
He will be remembered for his contribution in strengthening the Congress ideology & promoting social justice.
Heartfelt condolences to his family & friends.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 9, 2021