Former BJP MP passes away in Jammu

Jammu, Aug 26 (UNI) Former BJP MP Thakur Baldev Singh died after a prolonged illness last evening at his residence in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, sources here said today.

Born in 1918 in Pune where his father Subedar Major Narain Singh Jasrotia was posted in the Army, Baldev Singh grew up in a family with patriotic and nationalistic sentiments and was a law graduate from Lahore University and joined the Praja Parishad.

The leader became President of the Rajput Sabha, Jammu, and later head of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1967 while he also got elected to the Lok Sabha from Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch constituency in 1977 as an independent candidate.

''Baldev Singh became member of J &K Legislative Assembly during 1980 and also 1987 on BJP ticket from Hiranagar assembly constituency. Later, he became President of BJP state unit and member of the National Executive Council of the party,'' party sources added.

Baldev Singh was 90 and is survived by three sons and three daughters.

He was cremated with full honours at his hometown Kathua this morning.

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