In a huge loss for the BJP, its senior leader from Rajasthan and former Cabinet minister Sundarlal Kaka passed away at the age of 92. Popularly known as “Kaka” among his followers, the BJP veteran died due to lung infection and breathing troubles. He was not keeping well for a long time and was hospitalized to the SMS Hospital in Jaipur on August 24.
Just days ahead of his death, Kaka celebrated his 92nd birthday at his Jaipur residence on August 22. According to reports, his final rites will be conducted at his ancestral village in Jhunjhunu.
Mourning his demise, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said that Kaka’s passing away is an “irreparable loss” for the party. In a social media post on X, CM Bhajan Lal Sharma wrote, “The news of the demise of former Cabinet Minister, senior leader of Rajasthan BJP, respected Sundarlal “Kaka” Ji is extremely sad. His departure to heaven is an irreparable loss for the BJP family. I pray to Almighty God to give his holy soul a place in his feet and provide strength to his family members in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!”
Sundarlal Kaka’s Political Journey
Sundarlal Kaka’s political journey began in 1972 when he was first elected as a legislator from the Surajgarh constituency on a Congress ticket. From a village Panchayat member to a cabinet minister, Kaka held several important portfolios during his illustrious political career.
Born on August 22, 1933 in Jhunjhunu’s Kalwa village, Kaka came from a modest family of farmers. He served as a legislator seven times and as a minister in the state government. He contested the Assembly elections ten times, winning seven times and losing three times.
Influenced by Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, he joined the BJP and won elections on a BJP ticket in 2003. He served as an independent legislator from 1993 to 1998 and was also a State Minister in the government led by Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
He was a prominent Dalit leader and played a crucial role in establishing the BJP’s presence in Shekhawati – a region that was once a traditional stronghold of the Congress party.
Kaka’s quintessential Rajasthani persona and his influence among the voters of his region helped BJP win huge support from the Dalit community. He also had a unique distinction of serving as a legislator from both Congress and BJP parties.
He was a member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly seven times, elected from the Surajgarh and Pilani constituencies in Jhunjhunu district. He served as a Cabinet Minister twice, a State Minister once, and a Parliamentary Secretary once in the Rajasthan government. He also served as the Chairman of the Scheduled Castes Commission.
In 2018, Sundarlal Kaka chose not to contest the Assembly elections, citing health issues, but maintained good relations with leaders from all parties. As the Chairman of the SC Commission, he worked hard to align the Meghwal community with the BJP.
Kaka’s passing away is undoubtedly a significant political loss for the BJP. He will be long remembered for his valuable contributions to state politics and the society.
Take A Look At The Political Career Of Sundarlal Kaka
1964: Panchayat Samiti Member
1972-77: MLA from Surajgarh (Congress)
1980-85: MLA from Surajgarh (Independent)
1985-90: MLA from Surajgarh (Congress)
1993-98: MLA from Surajgarh (Independent)
2003-08: MLA from Surajgarh (BJP)
2004-05: Member, Scheduled Castes Welfare Committee
2008-13: MLA from Pilani (BJP)
2013-18: MLA from Pilani (BJP)
1985-89: Chairman, Scheduled Castes Welfare Committee
1993-98: Member, Government Assurances Committee
1998: State Minister for Energy & Motor Garage (for four months)
1989-90: Parliamentary Secretary, Chief Minister’s Secretariat
2007: Chairman, State Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Commission
2015: Chairman, State Scheduled Castes Commission
