Former BJP MLA Rathia no more

Former BJP MLA and Parliamentary Secretary Om Prakash Rathia passed away on Wednesday. The Dharamjaigarh MLA, Rathia, was infected by Covid-19 and he was admitted to Covid Hospital in Raigarh on December 26 after he complained of breathing problem. Rathia was tested positive for Covid-19 on December 24. After his health deteriorated, Rathia was sent to All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) Raipur a day before he breathed his last. It is to be mentioned, Rathia won Dharamjaigarh seat twice on BJP ticket. Mainly, Rathia was a tribal leader. Rathia is survived by son and two daughters. Rathia had won MLA elections twice in 2003 and 2008. He had defeated Congress stalwart Chaneshram Rathia to end the 25 years’ of rule by Congress in the constituency. Later, Om Prakash Rathia was lost to Chaneshram’s son Laljit Rathia who is sitting MLA. Governor Anusuiya Uikey, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Speaker Dr Charandas Mahant expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Rathia. Expressing her sincere condolence, Governor Uikey prayed to the God for the peace of departed soul. She also consoled the family members. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel expressed his deepest sympathies family of Rathia. Speaker Dr Mahant said that he is deeply saddened by the news. He prayed that God will grant strength to the family of Rathia. Several BJP leaders expressed condolence message to the departed soul of Rathia. BJP state president Vishnudev Sai described the death of Rathia as irreparable. Chhattisgarh has lost a skilled administration in the form of Rathia, he said. Former Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh said that Rathia was a skilled administrator. BJP National Co-organisation general secretary Saudan Singh described Rathia as a dedicated worker of the organisation. Rajya Sabha MP Saroj Pandey said that philosophy of Rathia has been motivational. Former BJP SC/ST Cell National President Ramvichar Netam said that Chhattisgarh lost a tribal leader who had fought for rights of tribal. BJP State organisation general secretary Pawan Sai, Leader of Opposition Dharamlal Kaushik, state general secretaries Narayan Chandel, Bhupendra Singh Savanni and Kiran Dev, and MP Sunil Soni, former secretary and MLAs Brijmohan Agrawal and Ajay Chandrakar, MLA Shivratan Sharma, BJP State spokesperson Rajesh Munat and other leaders paid tributes to Rathia.