07 November,2016 08:00 PM IST | | A Correspondent
Veteran BJP leader and former Union minister Jaywantiben Mehta breathed her last at her South Mumbai residence, at around 1.30 am this morning, following a brief illness
Veteran BJP leader and former Union minister Jaywantiben Mehta breathed her last at her South Mumbai residence, at around 1.30 am this morning, following a brief illness. She was 77.
A housewife-turned-politician, Mehta entered active politics in the year 1962, and moved up the ladder as city corporator, MLA and MP. She also served as Union minister of state for power in Atal Bihari Vajpayee's cabinet.
In the year 2004, Mehta suffered defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, when she contested against Congress leader Milind Deora.
Several leaders from across party lines expressed grief over Mehta's demise. "Jaywantiben Mehta was a very senior leader, who played a significant role in encouraging women participation not only within the party, but also in social activities. It is really sad that she is no longer with us," said CM Devendra Fadnavis.
Senior NCP leader Nawab Malik tweeted, "My condolences to the family of Smt. Jaywantiben Mehta, Ex-Union Minister of India. May her soul rest in peace."
