Daijiworld Media Network – Udaipur

Udaipur, May 1: Former Union Minister and veteran Congress leader Dr Girija Vyas passed away on Thursday evening around 7:15 pm at a private hospital in Ahmedabad. She was 78. Vyas had suffered critical burn injuries on March 31 during Gangaur Puja at her residence in Udaipur, after her attire caught fire.

Despite intensive treatment, her condition deteriorated due to nearly 90 per cent burns. Her brother, Gopal Sharma, said that though she initially showed signs of recovery, her health worsened over the past two days.

Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary Pankaj Kumar Sharma confirmed that her mortal remains would be brought to Udaipur late Thursday night. The body will be kept at her Deityamagri residence for public homage from 10 am to 12 noon on Friday, with last rites scheduled for 4 pm.

Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum. Former CM Ashok Gehlot said, “Dr Girija Vyas’s passing is an irreparable loss. Her contributions to education, politics, and social service will always be remembered.”

Vyas had a distinguished political career, serving as a Union Minister, Rajasthan Cabinet Minister, and Chairperson of the National Commission for Women. She also served as the President of the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee.

A close associate of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, she contested the 2018 Rajasthan Assembly election from Udaipur but lost to BJP's Gulab Chand Kataria.

Born in Nathdwara, Vyas came from a family of freedom fighters and educators. A PhD holder from Delhi University, she taught philosophy at Mohanlal Sukhadia University before entering politics.

Her passing marks the end of an era for Rajasthan Congress, where she left a lasting legacy of public service and advocacy, especially for women’s rights.