Ex-Union Minister, Jaywantiben Mehta passes away
In the early hours of today, Former Union Minister of State and ex-BJP leader Jaywantiben Mehta passed away following a brief illness. The 78 year old breathed her last at 1:25 am. According to BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye, her last rites took place at the Shivaji Park crematorium in Mumbai at 5:30 pm. Jaywantiben was the minister of state in Atal Bihari Vajpayee's cabinet.
'Marching with Time'
Jaywantiben Mehta was a housewife-turned politician. Six years ago, Jaywantiben had released a book called 'Marching with Time', an autobiography wherein her life's journey from a home-maker to a municipal corporator, parliamentarian and onto being a Union Minister is detailed.
Political milestones in Jaywantiben Mehta's life
Jaywantiben ventured into politics in the year 1962, after which she was elected as Mumbai's municipal corporator in 1968. She served in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from 1978 to 1985. In 1988, she became the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) secretary. She was the President of the Mahila Morcha of BJP from 1991 to 1995 and the Vice President of BJP from 1993 to 1995.
The 1975 Emergency
In 1975 when Emergency was declared, Jaywantiben Mehta was imprisoned for 19 months.
Reactions to Jaywantiben's demise
BJP MP Kirit Somaiya said, "Jaywantiben was a mass leader of BJP-Janasangh and taught me leadership in public service." In his condolence message, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described Jaywantiben as a grassroots worker and leader. PM Modi tweeted: Saddened by the passing away of Jaywantiben Mehta. We remember her rich contribution to the nation. Condolences to her family.
