Did Former Union Minister Shriprakash Jaiswal Pass Away at 81?
Synopsis
The political landscape in Uttar Pradesh mourns the loss of Shriprakash Jaiswal, a prominent Congress leader and former Union Minister, who passed away at the age of 81. Known for his dedication to public service and his strong ties to Kanpur, his contributions to politics and society will be remembered. Political leaders are expressing their condolences.
Key Takeaways
Shriprakash Jaiswal passed away at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness.
He was a significant figure in Uttar Pradesh politics, known for his dedication to public service and community development.
Jaiswal served as a Lok Sabha MP for Kanpur three times and held important ministerial roles.
His death is a considerable loss for Congress and the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh.
He remained loyal to Congress despite speculation about joining the BJP.
Kanpur, Nov 28 (NationPress) Former Union Minister and senior Congress figure Shriprakash Jaiswal has passed away in Kanpur on Friday evening after battling a long illness. He was 81 years old.
The veteran politician's health took a sudden turn for the worse at his home in the Civil Lines area. Family members quickly transported him to a nearby private hospital, but as his condition deteriorated further, he was moved to the cardiology unit at Regency Hospital, where he was pronounced dead around 6:45 PM.
Born on September 25, 1944, in Kanpur, Jaiswal maintained a strong connection to his hometown throughout his extensive political journey spanning over four decades.
His political career began as the Mayor of Kanpur in 1989, after which he transitioned into national politics. He represented the Kanpur constituency as a Lok Sabha MP three times in a row—1999, 2004, and 2009—on a Congress ticket.
During the UPA-2 administration under Dr. Manmohan Singh, Jaiswal served as the Minister for Coal and briefly held the position of Minister of State for Home Affairs, overseeing significant matters related to internal security and law enforcement.
A commerce graduate from BNSD Inter College, Kanpur, Jaiswal wed Maya Rani on April 28, 1967. He is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, and two grandsons.
Renowned for his gentle demeanor and approachability, Jaiswal was regarded as one of the most significant OBC representatives of Congress in Uttar Pradesh. Even after his defeats in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he remained engaged in party activities and community service. His passing is a profound loss for Congress in Uttar Pradesh's industrial hub, especially in Kanpur, where he was well-respected across party lines. Political leaders from various parties have expressed their condolences.
Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai described Jaiswal as “a gentleman politician and dedicated worker who prioritized Kanpur’s development.”
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and local BJP leaders have also extended their condolences. Earlier this year, there were rumors regarding Jaiswal potentially switching to the BJP after his younger brother, Pramod Jaiswal, joined the party. However, Shriprakash Jaiswal remained committed to Congress up until his passing. His body will be displayed at the Congress office in Colonelganj on Saturday morning for party members and the public to pay their respects, prior to the final rites in the afternoon.
Point of View
It's crucial to emphasize the lasting impact Shriprakash Jaiswal had on both his constituency and the Congress party. His passing marks not just the loss of a dedicated politician but also a significant void in Uttar Pradesh's political landscape. His commitment to public service and the goodwill he cultivated across party lines should inspire future leaders.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Shriprakash Jaiswal's significant political roles?
Shriprakash Jaiswal served as a Lok Sabha MP for Kanpur on three occasions and held the Minister for Coal position during the UPA-2 government, along with a brief tenure as Minister of State for Home Affairs.
What is the legacy of Shriprakash Jaiswal?
Known for his accessibility and dedication to public service, Jaiswal was a prominent OBC leader in Congress, contributing significantly to the development of Kanpur and maintaining a loyal following even after electoral defeats.
How did political leaders react to his passing?
Political leaders from various parties, including Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, expressed their condolences, highlighting Jaiswal's respected status in politics.
