veteran trade union leader Sharad Rao passed away on Thursday evening following a prolonged battle with cancer.
Rao headed several influential unions including the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport or BEST union.
From the Hind Mazdoor Sabha to the BEST Workers Union to the Municipal Mazdoor Union and the Mumbai Auto Rickshaw Mens’ Union, Rao was in-charge of several unions in Mumbai and the Mumbai metropolitan region.
He also helmed the Mumbai Autorickshawsmen’s Union that represents majority of auto rickshaw drivers in the city, although he had handed over the baton to his son Shashank Rao after his diagnosis.
Rao took charge of the unions led by socialist leader George Fernandes after he moved to national politics.
Rao was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2014 and underwent a surgery for the same.
His body will be kept for darshan at his residence in Bangur Nagar, Goregaon and will be kept for the daughter to arrive from Canada.
The final rites are expected to take place on Saturday.
