The mortal remains of former Gujarat minister and Congress leader Manoharsinh Jadeja were consigned to flames here Friday.
Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and several other leaders were present at Jadeja’s cremation.
Jadeja (83), a descendant of the erstwhile royal family of Rajkot, died at his house on Thursday.
The departed leader’s ‘palkhi yatra’ (funeral procession) began on Friday morning from his house with his body placed in a silver chariot. He was also given a nine-gun salute.
People thronged the streets to pay respects to Jadeja, popularly known as ‘Dada’.
Along with Rupani, Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama and Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja also joined the procession.
Jadeja’s son Mandhatasinh lit the funeral pyre.
“Manoharsinhji’s sad demise is a huge loss to the people of Rajkot. He was a noble person and always guided the next generation. People of Rajkot will never forget his contribution,” Rupani said, speaking to the media.
Born on November 18, 1935, Manoharsinh Jadeja earned the degree of barrister-at-law from Cambridge University.
Before entering politics, he had a stint in cricket, making his debut in Ranji Trophy for Saurashtra in 1955-56.
Later he joined politics and held various portfolios including finance and health in Congress governments in Gujarat.
