Keshubhai's wife dead in fire at home, cremation this evening

Gandhinagar, Sep 21 (UNI) Mrs Leelaben, wife of former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel today died in a major fire which engulfed their residence here, police said.

She was 74 and ailing for some time. She is survived by her husband, five sons and a daughter.

According to the fire brigade sources, the fire started in a small room, where Mrs Leelaben was sitting in a comfort chair.

Short circuit could be the probable reason for the blaze, they added.

Fire officer Mahesh Mod said they got a call at 0708 hrs. Mrs Leelaben could not have rushed out as she was overweight and ailing, he added.

Mr Patel, who was in an another room, is safe, police added.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, his cabinet colleagues including Home Minister Amit Shah and Health Minister Ashok Bhat and top bureaucrats reached the veteran leader's residence to offer their condolences.

Senior BJP leaders L K Advani and Arun Jaitley are also likely to pay a visit here.

The cremation will take place at 1600 hrs this evening.

Surat MP Kashiram Rana described the death as ''not only a loss to Mr Patel's family but also to the BJP''.

Former Minister Gordhan Zadaphia said, ''She was the pillar of strength providing support all along the long political career of Keshubhai.'' Dissident Nalin Bhat also condoled the death of Mrs Leelaben.

An FSL team has surveyed the spot and a detailed analysis will be done.

UNI MMG YA RN1206