New Delhi/Vadodara, June 2 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed grief over the death of senior Gujarat legislator Yogesh Patel, describing him as a “true people’s leader” and saying he had lost a unique companion from his public life.

In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi paid tribute to the veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, who represented the Manjalpur Assembly constituency in Vadodara and was among the longest-serving members of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly.

“The news of the demise of Yogesh Patel, a senior member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, is saddening. With his passing, I have lost a unique companion from my public life,” the Prime Minister said.

“Yogeshbhai was a true people’s leader. He always raised the issues of the people with sincerity, sensitivity, and commitment,” PM Modi added.

The Prime Minister also offered condolences to Patel’s family and supporters, praying for peace for the departed soul and strength for his loved ones to bear the loss.

PM Modi’s tribute came after several senior Gujarat leaders, including Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and BJP state president Jagdish Vishwakarma, expressed condolences over the veteran legislator’s death.

Yogesh Patel was a prominent BJP leader in Vadodara and had been a familiar figure in Gujarat politics for decades.

He has represented the Manjalpur constituency continuously since its creation following delimitation, and he secured victories in the 2012, 2017, and 2022 Assembly elections.

Before that, he had also represented the Raopura constituency, making him one of the most experienced legislators in the state.

Known for his organisational work and close engagement with constituents, Patel was regarded as a key BJP leader in Vadodara.

Following the 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections, he was appointed pro-tem Speaker of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, reflecting his seniority in the House.

Throughout his political career, Patel remained associated with local civic issues and constituency development while maintaining a strong presence within the BJP organisation.

His death marks the end of a public career spanning several decades that earned him recognition across party lines in Gujarat.

Condolence messages continued to pour in from political leaders and party workers, who remembered Patel for his long-standing service to public life and his commitment to addressing the concerns of ordinary citizens.

–IANS

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