Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN
Former Chief Minister Maj Gen Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri (Retd.) has passed away today at the age of 91. A highly respected figure in both military and Indian politics, his demise marks the end of an era for the hill state. Leaders across the political spectrum, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, expressed deep grief and extended their condolences to the bereaved family.
Born on October 1, 1934, in Dehradun, Gen Khanduri served with distinction in the Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers from 1954 to 1991, commanding a regiment during the 1971 Indo-Pak war and rising to the rank of Major General. He was awarded the prestigious Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for his exemplary military service.
Following his retirement from the armed forces, Gen Khanduri transitioned into public life, joining the BJP. He quickly earned a reputation for absolute integrity, discipline, and no-nonsense governance. He served as the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, where he was highly praised for successfully driving the prestigious Golden Quadrilateral project.
Gen Khanduri served as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand twice, first from 2007 to 2009 and again from 2011 to 2012. Known to the masses as an honest and transparent administrator, his tenure was defined by strict anti-corruption measures and a sharp focus on infrastructure development in remote mountain regions. He also represented the Garhwal constituency multiple times in the Lok Sabha.
He is survived by his wife Aruna, his son Manish, and his daughter Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, who currently serves as the Speaker of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly. State honors will be accorded for his final rites.
