Veteran Congress leader RK Dhawan passes away at 81

Dhawan was a close aide of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He was also a witness in the assassination case of the former PM.

Former Union minister and veteran Congress leader Rajinder Kumar Dhawan passed away at B L Kapur hospital in the national capital around 7 pm on Monday. He was 81.
The former Rajya Sabha MP, who was a close aide of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was admitted to the hospital last Tuesday for age-related ailments.
Expressing its condolences to the family of the senior leader, the Congress tweeted, “We’re saddened to hear about the passing away of RK Dhawan, a valued member of the Congress party. Our thought and prayers are with his family tonight.”
Congress’ communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala tweeted, “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.”
Dhawan started out as Gandhi’s personal assistant and was with her from 1962, until the day she was assassinated in 1984.

The senior Congress leader was also a part of the former PM’s innermost circle during the Emergency years (1975-77). Along with Ambika Soni and Kamal Nath, Dhawan was among the key characters of that period.

Dhawan got married to Achla on July 16, 2012.