Long-time Indira aide RK Dhawan dies at 81

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 6

Senior Congress leader RK Dhawan died here on Monday at a private hospital. He was 81. Dhawan was personal assistant and long-time aide of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

He breathed his last at the B L Kapur hospital around 7 pm, sources close to the family said.

Dhawan was admitted to the hospital last Tuesday for age-related ailments.

"Our homage to veteran Congress leader, Sh. R.K.Dhawan, who breathed his last today. His tireless spirit, immeasurable commitment & untiring dedication to the Congress ideals will always be remembered. RIP," Congress' communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala tweeted.

Rajinder Kumar Dhawan was a Rajya Sabha member and a private secretary to Indira Gandhi for a long time.

Condoling the death of Dhawan, former President Pranab Mukherjee said, "A close associate and colleague in Party and Government, he will forever be fondly remembered."

Shocked & saddened at the demise of Shri RK Dhawan Ji. Had worked closely with him in and would always remember him as an astute politician and loyal soldier of the party. May he rest in peace and may God give his family the courage to bear the loss.

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder)

Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh said "would always remember him (Dhawan) as an astute politician and loyal soldier of the party".

During his years as Indira Gandhi's personal secretary, from 1962 to 1984, Dhawan reportedly wielded immense clout, with some claiming that he controlled information and access to the then prime minister. During the Emergency years (1975-77), Dhawan was among Indira Gandhi's inner circle of leaders. 

After Rajiv Gandhi took over the reins of the Congress party and the government following his mother's assassination, there was talk of Dhawan being sidelined.

However, later Dhawan returned to party affairs and was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1990. He had also been a member of the Congress Working Committee.

He was appointed Minister of State (independent charge) Housing and Urban Development (1995-1996).

Dhawan also served as a member on various parliamentary committees. 

He tied the knot at the age of 74 with Achla in 2011. He is survived by his wife. 

The immediate cause of his death has been ascertained as septicaemia and acute kidney injury, a source at the hospital said.

"He was suffering from cancer. He was admitted on July 31 with complaints of drowsiness, decreased urine output, decreased oral intake, loose stools and weakness," the source said.

The source said at the time of admission, Dhawan's condition was poor.

"Though he was initially admitted to a ward, he was shifted to the ICU on August 2 as his condition had deteriorated. He died today at 7.09 pm," the source added. - With PTI inputs