Former Gujarat Minister Fakirbhai Vaghela passes away

Former Gujarat Minister and BJP leader Fakirbhai Vaghela passed away after suffering a heart attack today in Gandhinagar, party sources said.
He was 60. Fakirbhai, a prominent Dalit leader, is survived by his wife Kusum and two sons.
The former Social Justice and Empowerment Minister complained of severe chest pain and breathlessness this afternoon. He was rushed to the Civil Hospital at Gandhinagar but passed away while being admitted in the ICU, said BJP sources.
Chief Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of his former Cabinet colleague. "Saddened by the demise of party colleague and former Minister Fakirbhai Vaghela," he said in his condolence message.

Modi also met the BJP leader's family members at his residence in the state capital.
Fakirbhai was part of the Cabinet from 2007 to 2012. In the last Assembly elections, he lost to Manibhai Vaghela of Congress from Vadgam constituency in Banaskantha district.
State Congress President Arjun Modhwadia and Leader of Opposition Shankarsinh Vaghela also expressed grief over the demise of Fakirbhai.