BC Khanduri, E Uttarakhand CM And Army Veteran, Passes Away At 91; PM Modi Expresses Grief

BC Khanduri, E Uttarakhand CM And Army Veteran, Passes Away At 91; PM Modi Expresses Grief Published By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 17:02 IST Uttarakhand Chief Minister and BJP leader Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri dies at 91 after prolonged illness, PM Modi and President Murmu hail his military and political service Khanduri served as the chief minister of Uttarakhand twice. (Image: X/@pushkardhami) Uttarakhand Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri passed away on Tuesday at a private hospital after a prolonged illness. He was 91. Khanduri is survived by his wife Aruna, son Manish and daughter Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, who is the Speaker of Uttarakhand Assembly. Bhushan confirmed that her father breathed his last at around 11 am. Khanduri, popularly known as “General Sahab", had been battling age-related health complications and was hospitalised multiple times in recent months. All About Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri Before entering politics in 1991, he served in the Indian Army and retired with the rank of major general. Known for his disciplined and straightforward style of administration, Khanduri served twice as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. He first assumed office in 2007 after the BJP won the Assembly elections. In 2009, he stepped down, taking moral responsibility for the party’s defeat in all five Lok Sabha seats in the state. He returned as Chief Minister in 2011. Apart from his role in state politics, Khanduri also served as Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways in the Cabinet led by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He ALplayed a key role in implementing the Golden Quadrilateral highway project connecting major parts of the country. PM Modi, President Murmu Condole Demise President Droupadi Murmu condoled his demise, saying his dedication to development, transparent governance and public welfare would always be remembered. “The news of the demise of former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and former Union Minister, Major General (Retd.) B.C. Khanduri ji, is extremely heartbreaking. After rendering exemplary service in the Indian Army, he set an example of honest, simple, transparent, and development-oriented politics in public service. His commitment to the development of the country and Uttarakhand, good governance, and public welfare will always remain memorable. I express my condolences to his bereaved family members and well-wishers," the President said in a post on X in Hindi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the death of senior BJP leader, noting that he had made invaluable contributions to the armed forces and in the political arena. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of former chief minister of Uttarakhand Major General Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri (Retd) Ji. From the armed forces to the political arena, he made invaluable contributions, for which he will always be remembered," PM Modi said in a post on X in Hindi. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described the late politician’s death as an irreparable loss to both Uttarakhand and national politics. He praised the veteran leader’s contribution to clean governance, discipline and development-oriented politics, adding that his simplicity and efficiency would continue to inspire future generations. “He presented an unparalleled example of national service, discipline and dedication during his tenure in the Indian Army," Dhami said. “He gave a new direction to development by taking many crucial decisions in the interest of the state," he added. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Dehradun, India, India First Published: May 19, 2026, 17:02 IST News india BC Khanduri, E Uttarakhand CM And Army Veteran, Passes Away At 91; PM Modi Expresses Grief Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...