MLA Rakesh Daulatabad dies of heart attack in Gurugram, PM Modi condoles demise

Independent MLA Rakesh Daulatabad from the Badshahpur assembly constituency died of a heart attack on Saturday morning, police said.

The 45-year-old MLA suffered a heart attack in the morning and was taken to a private hospital, they said. He passed away during treatment at Manipal Hospital in Palam Vihar.

Daulatabad won the Badshahpur seat in the 2019 assembly elections as an independent candidate and later supported the BJP government.

The family members of the deceased MLA could not be contacted. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Karan Goel confirmed that the family has been informed of the MLA’s death.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief at Daulatabad’s death, saying the MLA had created a distinct identity among the people at a very young age through his hard work and dedication.

“I am deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Haryana MLA Rakesh Daulatabad ji. With his hard work and dedication, he had created a distinct identity among the people at a very young age,” Modi posted on X. “May God give strength to his family and supporters in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!” Modi posted in Hindi.

Political leaders from the ruling BJP and other parties also condoled the MLA’s death.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and his predecessor Manohar Lal Khattar expressed grief over Daulatabad’s death, noting that his demise has created a void in the state’s politics.

“I am saddened and shocked by the sudden demise of Badshahpur MLA,” Saini posted on X. The chief minister said Daulatabad’s sudden death has created a void in the state’s politics.

Former CM Khattar also expressed grief over Daulatabad’s death. “I am shocked and saddened by the news of the sudden demise of Shri Rakesh Daulatabad, MLA from Badshahpur Assembly,” he posted on X. Khattar said the Haryana Assembly has lost a young and energetic member and that Daulatabad will always be missed in the state’s politics.

Congress leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Kumari Selja, INLD’s Abhay Singh Chautala, and JJP’s Dushyant Chautala also condoled the legislator’s demise.

The 90-member Haryana Assembly currently has an effective strength of 88, with the Karnal and Rania assembly seats being vacant. Following Daulatabad’s demise, the strength of the assembly has come down to 87.(With inputs from PTI)