Ex-parliamentarian Ashwini Chopra dead

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 18

Senior journalist and former BJP MP from Karnal Ashwini Kumar Chopra passed away at a private hospital in Gurgaon on Saturday after a prolonged illness. He was 63.

Chopra was suffering from ‘terminal cancer’ and had been admitted to the Medanta Hospital a few days back. He passed away this afternoon.

Chopra was elected MP from Karnal in 2014. He was the Editor of Punjab Kesari, Delhi.

During his youth, Chopra was a promising cricketer who represented Punjab in the first class cricket as Ashwini Minna.

Chopra leaves behind his wife and three children.

PM Narendra Modi took to Twitter and paid tributes to Chopra.

Modi said that Chopra would be remembered for his immense contribution to the media industry. He lauded Chopra for his welfare work in public interest.

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and SAD president Sukhbir Badal condoled the passing away of the former parliamentarian.

“Learnt about the sad demise of former BJP MP from Karnal and Editor of Punjab Kesari, Delhi, Ashwini Chopra,” Khattar tweeted. “Your life as an able politician and a successful journalist will continue to guide us all,” he said.

In his condolence message, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh recalled the remarkable service rendered by the senior journalist who had always proactively championed the cause of the freedom of the press.

In her condolence message, Sonia Gandhi said Chopra’s long and distinguished innings as an Editor and also as a social worker and MP shall be long remembered. The Congress leader said Chopra’s friendship cut across political boundaries.

Sukhbir Singh Badal has also condoled the demise in a separate press release.