UP MLA dies of prolonged illness

Lucknow, Aug 15 (UNI) Veteran Leftist leader and CPI (M) MLA from Najibabad assembly constituency of Bijnour district, Ram Swarup Singh, died today following prolonged illness at a private hospital at Dehra Dun.

He was over 78.

Family sources said Mr Singh was suffering from asthma for quite some time and was admitted to the hospital a few days back.

Mr Singh, a widower, is survived by three sons and two daughters.

The last rites of Mr Singh would be carried out at Hardwar this evening.

Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav has condolenced the death of Mr Singh.

He said Ram Swarup Singh was a very popular Communist leader and always took an active part in the development of the state.

Several state ministers and the CPI(M) state leaders have expressed grief over his demise.

Meanwhile, Mr Yadav has also condoled the death of a senior Samajwadi Party leader Harvansh Singh Bhalla in Kanpur today.

UNI MB NAB LS HT1722