Chennai: BJP MP from Gujarat, Abhay Bhardwaj, died due to post Covid-19 complications in Chennai on Tuesday.
The Rajya Sabha member, who was admitted to a private hospital here, suffered from severe pneumonia and multi-organ failure.
Bhardwaj (66), and his entire family tested positive for the virus in August, after attending party meetings and a roadshow in Rajkot.
He was initially admitted to the Civil Hospital in Rajkot but when his condition worsened, he was airlifted for treatment in Chennai.
A statement from MGM Healthcare, where he was admitted, said, “He was on total life support and his lungs were completely destroyed due to Covid. With profound grief, we regret to inform that he passed away at 4.35 pm”.
Following the news of his death, top leaders expressed their condolences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, posted on his Twitter handle, “Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, Shri Abhay Bhardwaj Ji was a distinguished lawyer and remained at the forefront of serving society. It is sad we have lost a bright and insightful mind, passionate about national development. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti”.
President Ram Nath Kovind stated that Abhay Bhardwaj had an unwavering commitment to social upliftment and development.
“Grieved by the demise of Shri Abhay Bhardwaj, Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat. He was an eminent lawyer and had an unwavering commitment to social upliftment and development. Condolences to his family, friends and well-wishers”, he tweeted.
Bhardwaj is the second Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat, to have died of post Covid-19 complications after Congress stalwart Ahmed Patel.