Moradabad, one of the 80 constituencies in Western UP, was won by Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
BJP’s Moradabad candidate Sarvesh Singh, a five-time MLA and a one-time MP, died a day after his Uttar Pradesh constituency went to polls in phase one of the general elections. He was 72.
Sarvesh Singh, who has been ill for a long time, was undergoing treatment at a Delhi hospital.
“Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar has passed away,” UP BJP chief Bhupendra Chaudhary told news agency PTI.
“He had some problem in his throat and had an operation. Yesterday, he had gone to AIIMS for a check-up,” Mr Chaudhary added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath termed the death of the leader an “irreparable loss” for the BJP.
“I am deeply saddened by the untimely demise of BJP candidate from Moradabad Lok Sabha seat and former MP Kunwar Sarvesh Singh ji. He remained dedicated to public service and social service till his last breath. His demise is an irreparable loss for the party. I pray to God to give strength to his family to bear this deep grief. Om Shanti!” PM Modi posted on X.
“I am shocked to learn of the demise of our Moradabad candidate and former MP, Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar Singh-ji. This is an irreparable loss for the BJP Parivaar. In this hour of grief, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family members and loved ones. I pray that Prabhu Shri Ram grants eternal peace to the departed soul while giving his family the strength and forbearance to bear this loss. Om Shanti!” Yogi Adityanath posted on X.