Udaipur: Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Dr Girija Vyas passed away on Thursday (May 1) in Udaipur, Rajasthan. She was 79 years old. Her death came nearly a month after she suffered serious burn injuries while performing ‘aarti’ at her home on March 31.
According to her family, Dr Vyas’s dupatta caught fire from a lamp during the aarti. She was quickly taken to a private hospital in Udaipur and later shifted to Ahmedabad for further treatment. Despite efforts, she could not survive the injuries.
Shocked at the news of the sad demise of Congress leader @DrGirijaVyas.
I have fond memories of working in her elections as a young Congress activist.
Her poetry and her politics will always be remembered for their old world charm.
Travel well Girija ji. pic.twitter.com/fkePioKPer— Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 (@Pawankhera) May 1, 2025
Girija Vyas was a well-respected leader in Indian politics and had served in various important roles. She was a Union Minister in the governments led by Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh. She held key portfolios such as Information and Broadcasting and Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation. Vyas was also known for her work as the chairperson of the National Commission for Women and as the President of Rajasthan Congress.
She was a four-time MP and represented Udaipur and Chittorgarh constituencies in the Lok Sabha. Apart from her political work, she was also known for her poetry and strong voice for women’s rights.
पूर्व केन्द्रीय मंत्री एवं पूर्व कांग्रेस प्रदेशाध्यक्ष डॉ गिरिजा व्यास का निधन हम सबके लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है। डॉ गिरिजा व्यास ने शिक्षा, राजनीति एवं समाज सेवा के क्षेत्र में बड़ा योगदान था। उनका इस तरह एक हादसे का शिकार होकर असमय जाना हम सभी के लिए एक बड़ा आघात है।
मैं ईश्वर… pic.twitter.com/RHSj5IHceA
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) May 1, 2025
Leaders across the country have expressed grief over her passing. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said her death is a big loss to education, politics, and social service. Congress leader KC Venugopal called her a fearless voice and a lifelong fighter for women’s rights. Assam Congress described her as “a voice of wisdom and a champion of women’s rights.”
Congress leader Pawan Khera also remembered working with her in elections as a young activist and admired her for her poetry and political work.
