Tragedy struck Gujarat’s BJP on Friday as Umreth MLA Govind Parmar, aged 82, died during treatment in an Anand district hospital. The seasoned politician had been under medical care for an extended period.
The announcement sent shockwaves through political corridors, with leaders and supporters in Anand and Umreth uniting in mourning. Parmar’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him as a true son of the soil.
Born into humble origins in 1943, Parmar completed schooling till the seventh standard and channeled his energies into politics and social work. His profound understanding of rural Gujarat’s pulse made him a natural leader in the Charotar belt.
Electorally, Parmar stormed to victory in 2017, edging out Congress’s Kapilabai Chavda by 1,883 votes for his debut in the state assembly. In 2022, he repeated the feat with aplomb, defeating NCP’s Jayant Patel by 26,717 votes while polling 95,639.
State BJP president Jagdish Vishkarma voiced the party’s anguish: ‘The sad demise of Govindbhai Parmar, the popular voice of Umreth, fills me with immense sorrow. Prayers for his eternal peace and fortitude for his bereaved family.’
Throughout his career, Parmar embodied connect-with-the-masses politics, prioritizing local grievances. Anand district BJP workers paid floral tributes, vowing to carry forward his vision.
Umreth’s legislative seat is now up for grabs, amid reflections on Parmar’s enduring impact. His life story—from modest beginnings to assembly halls—exemplifies dedication to public good.