Darshan Kunwar
LUCKNOW, August 02 2020 (HS): In a shocking incident, UP Technical Cabinet Technical Education Minister Kamal Rani Varun Sunday morning died of Coronovirus here at Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute. Kamal Rani(64) who was cabinet Minister in Yogi Aditynath led BJP state Government, is the first Cabinet Minister to succumb to Covid-19 in the country.
The news of the Minister succumbing to Covid-19 spread like wildfire and created tension worry in the state capital.
The number of Coronavirus positive cases has been multiplying and the situation is worsening with each passing day." If a Cabinet Minister dies of Coronavirus, what can be said about the common people in state", said a retired senior official at Lucknow
Two other Ministers in Yogi Government have tested Coronavirus Positive. While one is in self-isolation other one is also admitted in a Lucknow hospital.
The deceased was admitted to Lucknow based Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute on July 18 soon after she tested positive.
According to Senior Medical Officers at the hospital, Minister Kamal Rani passed away at 6.30 AM. The Minister was also suffering from Lung infection, Diabetes and B.P.
“Since, she was already suffering from these diseases, she could not fight against Coronavirus. Her immunity to fight against Covid-19 infection had extremely gone down and ultimately she succumbed this morning", said a senior Medical Officer at Lucknow PGI.
A 2- time MP from Kanpur, Kamal Rani was known as a popular leader in the BJP government. She had done a lot of development activities in Kanpur Lok Sabha seat before she was elected as BJP MLA from Ghatampur assembly seat in Kanpur Nagar, to be inducted in Yogi Aditynath Government.
Official sources said last rites of the deceased will be done at her Kanpur home town as per Coronavirus protocols.
In view of the development, Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath postponed his scheduled trip to Ayodhya on Sunday to monitor preparations for the upcoming Ram Temple's Bhumi Pujan and Foundation Laying Ceremony to be held on Wednesday.
The auspicious ceremony is set to be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi.
A top IAS official told Hindustan Samachar that in view of Cornovirus already infecting 12 persons including an Assistant Priest and 4 cops who tested Covid-19 positive two days ago, organizers for the upcoming ceremony may drastically minimize the number of the guests sharing dias with the PM on the ceremony day.
Official sources said not more than 5 guests will sit along with the PM on the dais.
This was apparently one of the decisions the CM may finalize during his visit to Ayodhya Monday (August 3). The CM also consoled the demise of his Cabinet Minister.
“I am deeply moved by the untimely death of Kamal Rani and offer floral tributes to her", said the CM.