Desk Correspondent , Dehradun - Former Uttarakhand chief minister and Union minister Major General Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri (Retd) passed away in Dehradun on Tuesday at the age of 91 following a prolonged illness. Known for bringing military discipline and exemplary personal integrity to public service, the veteran leader breathed his last at around 11 am. Tributes poured in from across the nation's political and administrative circles immediately after the news of his demise broke, with state leaders calling his death an irreparable loss to national and state politics.

Before entering the political arena, Khanduri served in the Indian Army's Corps of Engineers for nearly four decades (1954–1991), rising to the rank of Major General and commanding a regiment during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. He smoothly transitioned into public life, being elected to the Lok Sabha five times from the Garhwal constituency and serving twice as Uttarakhand's chief minister. As the Union road transport and highways minister between 2000 and 2004 under the Vajpayee government, he earned widespread acclaim for executing major national infrastructure projects, including the Golden Quadrilateral and the National Highway Development Programme.

Political leaders and commentators highlighted that Khanduri represented a forgotten generation of public servants who prioritized selfless service and principles over personal gain. Paying rich tributes to the departed leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted his deep commitment to infrastructure and welfare, stating: “He remained forever dedicated to the development of Uttarakhand, which was clearly evident during his tenure as Chief Minister. His term as a Union Minister is also inspiring to everyone. He made tireless efforts continuously for the betterment of connectivity across the country.”