Veteran Congress leader Buta Singh passes away at 86

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 2

Veteran Congress leader and former Union home minister Buta Singh passed away at AIIMS, New Delhi, in the wee hours of Saturday, leaving behind a rich political legacy and contribution to national affairs.

Buta Singh had been in the AIIMS since October 26 when he suffered a brain haemorrhage from which he couldn’t recover. He was 86.

Buta Singh had been in coma since he was admitted to AIIMS.

“We are deeply saddened to inform that Sardar Buta Singh passed away this morning, 7.10 am. His mortal remains will be taken from our home (K33, Jangpura Extension, New Delhi) to Sri Nanaksar Gurdwara (Wazirabad) and the cremation will be at 4 pm at Lodhi Road Crematorium,” the family said.

READ | Obituary: Buta Singh — Quintessential politician who sailed through turbulent years of Indian politics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Manmohan Singh condoled the death.

Buta Singh was instrumental in building and re-building many gurdwaras in India and in foreign countries, especially Sri Akal Takht Sahib after Operation Bluestar in 1984. Sikhs had rebuilt the Takht by community service.

Many gurdwaras in Delhi were rebuilt under Buta Singh’s stewardship after the riots in November 1984.

Buta Singh also helped acquire lands for the expansion of gurdwaras, especially Gurdwara Bangla Sahib and Gurdwara Bala Sahib in Delhi.

He helped many Sikh youths in getting jobs and placements and was active as chairman of the National SC Commission.

He is survived by two sons and a daughter.