Veteran Akali leader and Shahkot MLA Ajit Singh Kohar dies at 81

Rachna Khaira

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 5

Veteran Akali Dal leader and Shahkot MLA Ajit Singh Kohar died of heart failure here on Sunday night. He was 81.

According to Dr Charanjit Pruthi who attended to him, Kohar died of heart failure. “He was dead by the time he was brought here,” Dr Pruthi said. 

Kohar’s private secretary, Lakhvir Singh, who was with him during his last hours, said Kohar had dinner with the family at around 9.30 pm and went to his room. A few minutes later, he came out and complained of uneasiness. He was rushed to the local Pruthi hospital but his condition deteriorated on the way, he added.

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“He was provided medical help en route by two doctors accompanying him in the 108 ambulance. He struggled for over 45 minutes but could not survive,” said Lakhvir.

Kohar, known as ‘Baba Bohar’ of Punjab politics, had won the Shahkot Assembly seat no less than five times.

He had also served as transport minister in the SAD-BJP government.

His wife had died six months ago. Kohar is survived by son Naib Singh and two daughters. 

The cremation is likely to be held on Tuesday. 

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has expressed grief over the demise of Kohar and declared a half-day government holiday as a mark of respect.