Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Major General (Retd.) Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri was cremated with full military honours in Haridwar on Wednesday, 20 May, as political leaders, saints, and supporters gathered to pay their final respects to a figure remembered across party lines for his discipline, integrity, and lasting contribution to the state's development.

Leaders Who Attended the Last Rites

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, former Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna, BJP Lok Sabha MP Anil Baluni, and several senior leaders were present at the cremation in Haridwar. Spiritual leader Kailashanand Giri Maharaj also attended, reflecting the broad reverence Khanduri commanded beyond political circles.

What Chief Minister Dhami Said

Chief Minister Dhami described Khanduri's life as exemplary and said it would continue to inspire generations to come. 'Whether as an Army officer serving the nation at the borders, as the Chief Minister of the state, or as a Union Minister, his discipline, adherence to rules, punctuality, and all such admirable qualities will continue to inspire us,' Dhami said.

Tributes From Fellow Leaders

Former Chief Minister Bahuguna called Khanduri a leader who gave himself entirely to the service of Uttarakhand. 'The way he is being honoured today reflects the life he lived. He served Uttarakhand with dedication, whether as an MP, Minister, or Chief Minister. He worked for everyone and always brought people together. He was like an elder brother. Today, we are deeply saddened,' Bahuguna said.

BJP MP Baluni recalled Khanduri's pivotal role in transforming road infrastructure in the region during his tenure as Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government from 2000 to 2004. 'When we used to travel from Kotdwar to Dehradun, many accidents occurred. As soon as Khanduri became the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, he addressed all the gaps. Uttarakhand will never forget that. He created a network of highways that connected the entire region,' Baluni said.

Spiritual leader Kailashanand Giri Maharaj called Khanduri a 'divine personality' for Uttarakhand, noting that he had encouraged many politicians and emerging leaders during his time in public life.

A Career Defined by Service and Discipline

Khanduri rose to the rank of Major General in the Indian Army before entering politics. He served as Chief Minister of Uttarakhand on two separate occasions and held key portfolios at the Union level, most notably in road transport and highways. He was widely regarded for his clean public image and administrative rigour — qualities that set him apart in an era of increasingly transactional politics.

His passing has drawn condolences from leaders across the political spectrum, underscoring a career that transcended partisan boundaries and left a tangible mark on Uttarakhand's infrastructure and governance.