Former Union Minister Shriprakash Jaiswal Dies at 81: A Legacy of Service in Indian Politics

Kanpur's prominent politician and former Union Coal Minister Shriprakash Jaiswal passed away on Friday evening following an extended illness. The 81-year-old Congress veteran died around 6:45 pm at Regency Hospital's cardiology unit after his health rapidly deteriorated.

Born on September 25, 1944, in Kanpur, Jaiswal maintained strong connections to his hometown throughout his four-decade political career. His journey in public service began as Kanpur's Mayor in 1989 before advancing to national politics, where he secured three consecutive terms as Lok Sabha MP from Kanpur constituency in 1999, 2004, and 2009.

During Dr. Manmohan Singh's UPA-2 administration, Jaiswal held the significant Coal portfolio and briefly served as Minister of State for Home Affairs, overseeing critical responsibilities in internal security and law enforcement.

The commerce graduate from BNSD Inter College married Maya Rani on April 28, 1967. He leaves behind his wife, two sons, a daughter, and two grandsons.

Recognized for his gentle demeanor and accessibility, Jaiswal represented one of Congress's most prominent OBC faces in Uttar Pradesh. Despite electoral defeats in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he remained actively involved in party operations and community service.

His death represents a significant loss for the Congress party in Uttar Pradesh's industrial center, particularly in Kanpur where he commanded respect across political boundaries.

Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai honored him as "a gentleman politician and dedicated worker who always kept Kanpur's development foremost." Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and local BJP leaders also expressed their condolences.

Earlier this year, rumors circulated about Jaiswal potentially joining the BJP following his younger brother Pramod Jaiswal's move to the party. However, Shriprakash Jaiswal remained loyal to Congress until his final days.

His remains will be displayed at the Congress office in Colonelganj on Saturday morning for public tributes before afternoon funeral services.