Shivraj Singh Chouhan's mother Kashibai passes away at 76 in Bhopal
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's mother, Kashibai, passed away on the morning of Friday, 29 October at AIIMS Bhopal, where she had been receiving treatment for a respiratory ailment for the past week. She was approximately 76 years old. Her condition had deteriorated in her final days, necessitating ventilator support before she breathed her last.
Last Rites and Family Background
According to the family, Kashibai's last rites were scheduled to be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Friday at the ancestral village of Jait in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh. Chouhan was expected to travel to Sehore to perform the last rites. Several senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionaries were also likely to visit Jait to pay their respects.
Notably, Kashibai was Chouhan's stepmother. His biological mother, Sundarbai, had passed away during his childhood. His father, Prem Singh Chouhan, subsequently married Kashibai, who took on the responsibility of raising the children. Chouhan has four siblings. Prem Singh had passed away a few years ago. Kashibai had been residing in the Saket Nagar area of Bhopal and had been in declining health for some time before being admitted to AIIMS.
Chouhan Cancels All Engagements
In the wake of the bereavement, Shivraj Singh Chouhan cancelled all his scheduled official commitments. He had been due to attend a farmers' conference in Raisen on Friday, but that programme was called off, along with all subsequent engagements. The cancellations underscore the personal gravity of the loss for the senior Union minister.
Chouhan's Tribute to His Mother
Expressing deep grief, Chouhan described the day as one of profound sorrow for the entire family. In a heartfelt message, he stated that the loss of a mother leaves a void that can never be filled. He recalled cherished memories of Kashibai and offered prayers seeking divine peace for her soul.
Condolences From Across India
Condolences began pouring in from political leaders, BJP functionaries, and well-wishers from across Madhya Pradesh and beyond. Shivraj Singh Chouhan currently holds the portfolios of Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development. He previously served for multiple terms as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, making him one of the most recognisable figures in the state's political landscape. His personal loss is being mourned widely across party lines.