Jind MLA Hari Chand Middha dies, Khattar condoles

Haryana's main opposition Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) MLA, Hari Chand Middha, died at a private hospital in Delhi, his party said today.

He was 76.

Middha, who was MLA from Jind constituency, was suffering from a kidney ailment and died last night at the hospital, party's state unit president Ashok Arora said.

He was cremated with full state honours in Jind today.

"Middha ji had been admitted to a private hospital at Delhi for past few days. He was suffering from kidney ailment," Arora said.

Middha was first elected to public office as a municipal councillor in Jind in 1986. He was elected as the Jind MLA for two consecutive terms in 2009 and 2014.

Arora said Middha was one of Jind's oldest medical practioners.

"Even until few weeks back he used to attend to patients and treat poor patients for free. He was a noble man, who commanded respect cutting across parties. The void created by his loss will be difficult to fill," Arora said.

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar expressed grief over the demise of Middha.

Khattar paid tributes and laid a wreath on the mortal remains of Middha.

Haryana Finance Minister Capt Abhimanyu was also present on the occasion.

The chief minister said Middha was "not only a leader with clean image, but also a great human being".

"He would always be remembered for his selfless service," Khattar said.

He extended his condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for peace to the departed soul.