First CM of Chhattisgarh Ajit Jogi passes away

Staff Reporter :

RAIPUR,

First Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and Founder President of Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (J) Ajit Jogi died at Shree Narayana Hospital on Friday at 3.30 pm following a severe cardiac arrest. He was 74. A determined politician, Ajit Jogi had suffered respiratory arrest followed by a severe cardiac arrest on May 9 at his residence after a Ganga Imli seed stuck in his trachea. He was immediately shifted to Shree Narayana Hospital, Devendra Nagar, where he was admitted in Intensive Care Unit, and his treatment was underway since then. He was put on life-support system ever since he was admitted to the hospital. Ajit Pramod Kumar Jogi, a bureaucrat turned politician, served as the first Chief Minister from November 2000 to 2003 of the Congress Government, when the new state of Chhattisgarh came into existence. He was a former member of the Indian National Congress (INC).

He parted ways with the Congress in 2016, and he along with his son Amit Jogi, got embroiled in a controversy over alleged fixing of the bye-election held for Antagarh Assembly constituency in Kanker district, in 2014. Later, Ajit Jogi constituted his own political party Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (J). Presently he represents Marwahi Assembly constituency for his party in Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly. He is survived by his wife Dr Renu Jogi, an MLA from Kota constituency and son Amit Jogi, a former MLA.

His son Amit Jogi tweeted “today not only him but the 20-year old state of Chhattisgarh has also lost a father. He said his father who was very much attached to villages, villagers, poor, farmers and 2.5 crore people of Chhattisgarh left for his heavenly abode.” LEADERS CONDOLE JOGI’S DEMISE: Leaders across the political spectrum on Friday condoled the demise of Chhattisgarh’s first Chief Minister Ajit Jogi. “Sad to hear of the passing of first Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Shri Ajit Jogi. A man of many parts, Shri Jogi was an able administrator known for promoting development of the State and its people. My condolences to his family, friends and followers,” President Ram Nath Kovind said in a tweet.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu also expressed sadness over the death of Jogi and offered condolences to the bereaved family. Prime Minister Modi said, “Shri Ajit Jogi Ji was passionate about public service. This passion made him work hard as a bureaucrat and as a political leader.” Jogi strived to bring a positive change in the lives of the poor, especially tribal communities, Modi said. “Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family. RIP (rest in peace),” the Prime Minister said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “I’m sorry to hear about the passing of Shri Ajit Jogi, former Parliamentarian & Chhattisgarh’s first CM. My condolences to his family, friends & followers in this time of grief. May he rest in peace.”