Gurugram, April 11 Gopichand Gahlot, former Deputy Speaker of the Haryana Legislative Assembly and a BJP leader, passed away on Saturday at the age of 76 in Sector 28 here. He had been ill for some time, a family member said.
Gahlot became Deputy Speaker in the INLD government after winning the Gurgaon seat in 2000. He was known to be close to the Chautala family. He also contested the Gurgaon seat on an INLD ticket in 2005 and 2014, but lost both times.
Gahlot, a long-time MLA in Haryana politics, served as a legislator from the Gurugram constituency and also entered the House as an Independent. He later joined the BJP in 2019.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed his grief over his demise. He wrote on social media, "The news of the passing of former Haryana Deputy Speaker Gopichand Gahlot is deeply saddening. His humble nature and dedication to public welfare will always be remembered. May God grant the departed soul a place at his feet and give the bereaved family the strength to bear this loss."
His son Surender Gehlot shared the information about his father's death on social media in the evening. Former allies and leaders from various parties expressed their grief over his passing. He was known for his simplicity and public service.
