Former Jharkhand MLA Madhav Lal Singh passes away

Bokaro: Gomia plunged into grief on Wednesday after Madhav Lal Singh, a four-time MLA and a former minister, died during treatment at a private hospital in Ranchi.

Singh was a MLA in the unified Bihar state assembly in 1985 and 1990 before. He won the seat in 2000 and 2009 to become a member of Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha and also served as a minister in the cabinet of former CM Arjun Munda. “The govt has approved full state honours for his funeral,” deputy commissioner Ajay Nath Jha said.

Chief minister Hemant Soren expressed grief on Singh’s passing and said he made significant contributions to public service over a long period of time. Stating that his death was an irreparable loss to public life, Soren said, “May Marang Buru grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family.”

Widely known as Madhav Babu, Singh was known for his simplicity, grass roots connect and strong influence in rural politics. He was admitted to a hospital in Bokaro about a week ago after his health deteriorated suddenly. As his condition worsened, he was shifted to Pulse Hospital in Ranchi two days ago, where he breathed his last.

The news sparked mourning in Gomia and other parts of the state. Supporters, residents and political workers gathered at his residence and the hospital in shock. Thousands joined the funeral procession in the area to pay homage. His last rites will be performed on Thursday.