Jaipur, Oct 4 (NationPress) Senior Congress figure Rameshwar Dudi of Rajasthan has passed away in Bikaner following a lengthy battle with illness. His final rites are scheduled for Saturday.

The funeral service for the 62-year-old leader will take place at 1:00 p.m. in Jat Baghi, Bikaner.

Dudi, who held the position of Leader of the Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, had been in a coma for the last 25 months and passed away late on Friday night, as reported by his family.

State Congress officials have lamented his death, considering it a profound loss for the party.

Recognized as a major farmer representative and a Jat leader, Dudi was a significant presence in Rajasthan politics.

He was well-known for his grassroots engagement, dedication to agricultural matters, and his distinctive personal style, often making headlines for his fashionable appearance in political arenas.

In the 2004 Lok Sabha elections held in Bikaner, Dudi posed a formidable challenge to the BJP candidate, Bollywood star Dharmendra, further solidifying his status as a formidable leader.

Bikaner Congress (Rural) President Bishna Ram Siyag reported that Dudi suffered a brain stroke in August 2023. He was initially admitted to SMS Hospital and later moved to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram for advanced care.

Dudi subsequently continued to receive treatment at his residence in Delhi. However, after a recent health decline, he was readmitted to the hospital, but his condition did not improve significantly. Doctors ultimately recommended bringing Dudi home, where he passed away.

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed his deep sorrow, labeling Dudi's passing as a personal loss.

Gehlot shared on social media, "The passing of Rameshwar Dudi, former Leader of the Opposition and Bikaner MP, is profoundly saddening. His untimely demise at such a young age is shocking."

He also remembered Dudi’s steadfast commitment across all his roles: "He approached every duty with sincerity, whether as an MP, MLA, or Leader of the Opposition, always advocating for farmers. Just days before his stroke, he visited me, and we had an extensive discussion about his treatment. I pray to God for his soul's peace and strength for his family."

Congress leader Sachin Pilot also paid homage, noting Dudi's contributions to the party and the populace. He stated, "The news of the passing of former Leader of the Opposition Rameshwar Dudi is deeply saddening. His political journey, from student leader to District Head and finally to Leader of the Opposition, was truly inspirational. During my time as Rajasthan Congress President, I collaborated closely with him. He was instrumental in exposing the anti-people policies of the previous BJP government and remained a staunch advocate for farmers, deeply connected to the grassroots."

Pilot conveyed his "deepest sympathies" to Sushila Dudi and the entire family during this untimely loss.

"May God grant peace to the departed soul and provide the family with the strength to endure this grief. Om Shanti," Pilot added.