Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday, 13 July 2026 expressed grief over the passing of Nand Kishore Goyenka, a noted social worker and father of former Rajya Sabha MP and Essel Group chairman Dr. Subhash Chandra. The Chief Minister conveyed his condolences through a post on X, offering prayers for the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family.

Context

In his post, CM Sai described Nand Kishore Goyenka as a prasiddh samajsevi (renowned social worker) and referred to him respectfully as the pujya pitaji (revered father) of Dr. Subhash Chandra. He wrote: 'I have received the sad news of the passing of Shri Nand Kishore Goyenka ji, revered father of former Rajya Sabha MP and Essel Group chairman Dr. Subhash Chandra ji, and a well-known social worker.' The post concluded with the prayer Om Shanti, a customary Hindu expression of peace for the departed.

The Chief Minister prayed that the Almighty grant the departed soul a place at His feet and give the grieving family and well-wishers the strength to bear this loss — a sentiment expressed in the original post as: 'Ishwar se prarthana hai ki divangat punyatma ko apne shricharanon mein sthan den tatha shokakul parijanon evam shubhchinktakon ko is dukh ko sahan karne ki shakti pradan karen.'

Policy Backdrop

Public condolence messages from state chief ministers upon the death of prominent citizens or their relatives are a well-established convention in Indian political culture. Such statements serve to acknowledge the social contributions of the deceased and express solidarity across party and community lines.

CM Sai, a senior BJP leader who assumed office as Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister, has consistently maintained this tradition of public outreach. The gesture reflects the broader norm of elected representatives engaging with civil society figures and business communities through formal expressions of respect.

Stakeholders and Impact

Dr. Subhash Chandra, the son of the deceased, is a prominent figure in India's media and entertainment landscape as the chairman of Essel Group, a major conglomerate. He previously served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of Parliament. The loss of Nand Kishore Goyenka is therefore being mourned not only by the family but also by associates across the business and public life circles connected to the Essel Group.

Tributes from other political leaders and members of the business community are expected as news of the passing spreads. The family has not yet issued a public statement on funeral arrangements, according to available information.

What's Next

Further condolence messages from BJP leaders and associates of Essel Group are anticipated in the coming hours. The family of Dr. Subhash Chandra is expected to announce details regarding the last rites. The passing of Nand Kishore Goyenka underscores the enduring role of social workers in shaping public life, even beyond the formal corridors of politics and business.