Keshari Nath Tripathi, 88, a veteran BJP Leader who was three-time Speaker of Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly and who also held post of Governor of West Bengal, died on Sunday due to prolonged illness. 

Incumbent Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath was seen paying his homage and tribute to the Veteran BJP Leader from UP, Keshari Nath Tripathi, who died at the age of 88 due to prolonged illness. Tripathi, who has held different positions in his long political career such as the speaker of UP Legislative Assembly, Governor of West Bengal, Bihar, Meghalaya and Mizoram,was hospitalised a few days ago after he fractured his hand and for treatment of age-related ailments as well. However, he was discharged from the hospital three days back. On Sunday, the news came that he passed away at his residence in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. 

The mortal remains of KN Tripathi were cremated with full state honours at the Daraganj ghat later on Sunday evening and UP CM Yogi Adityanath was present at the final cremation of veteran BJP leader. Neeraj Tripathi, the son of KN Tripathi, lit the funeral pyre in the presence of few other family members that included both his daughters, daughter-in-law and sons-in-law. Apart from them, senior district level officials and several other senior BJP leaders including present and former MPs, seers, members of the lawyer fraternity and Tripathi’s old friends were also present at the Daraganj Ghat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow and described Tripathi as the key man in building the BJP in Uttar Pradesh.Taking it to Twitter, PM Modi tweeted “Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi Ji was respected for his service and intellect. He was well versed in Constitutional matters. He played a key role in building BJP in UP and worked hard for the state’s progress. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”

KN Tripathi was born on November 10, 1934 in  UP’S Prayagraj district and was also a senior advocate at the Allahabad High Court. At the age of 12, he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later switched to Bharatiya Jana Sangh. In 1953, he was sent to Naini Central Jail in 1953 for participating in the ‘Kashmir Andolan’ and again in 1990, he was jailed a second time for participating in the mega Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

Tripathi was a proactive leader who was admired across ranks and files in the Saffron Party. The former Governor of West Bengal was elected as an MLA for the first time in 1977 from Jhunsi Assembly constituency in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj district. Later, he went on to win six more Assembly elections and his last victory was in 2002 from Allahabad South seat in Prayagraj. He contested the 2007 and 2012 Assembly polls too but faced defeat both the times.

When he was in the chair of the Governor of West Bengal at the Raj Bhawan in Kolkata, he shared quite an eye-to-eye relationship with Chief Minister of Bengal, Mamata Banerjee who accused the Governor of threatening her over a call regarding the riot in North 24 Parganas. Tripathi, however, denied the allegation. Mamata, on Sunday, Tweeted “I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi ji, former Governor of West Bengal. A man of great substance, his contributions to our country will remain etched in all our minds. I pray his soul rests in peace.”

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and other leaders also condoled Tripathi’s death and offered tributes.

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