Gujarat BJP Rajya Sabha member Suryakant Acharya passed away today morning in Junagadh. He was 80. Acharya was in a critical condition for the last four days due to age-related ailments.

Born on 9 December 1929 in Junagadh, Acharya was Ba, B Com, LLB. Acharya left law practice and joined Jan Sangh in 1975 as full time worker. He actively worked for Jan Sangh in remotest parts of tribal Gujarat in areas like Dang, Valsad, Chhota Udepur, Panchamahal and Sabarkantha. His wife Hemaben was minister of Health in government of Gujarat between 1975-80. Acharya was text consultant by profession. He was Vice President of state planning commission in Keshubhai Patel’s government. He was selected for Rajyasabha in August 2005. In March 2006 he was appointed in Science and Technology, Environment and Forest committee of Rajya Sabha. He was also a member of Urban Development parliamentary committee.

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day without conducting any business following the death of Shri Acharya. The House, which was to have its last sitting of the Winter Session today will meet on Tuesday. Soon after the Upper House met for the day, Chairman Hamid Ansari announced the passing away of Acharya, who represented Gujarat from August 2005. The House then observed two-minute silence for the departed leader before adjourning for the day.