A former Maharashtra MLA Somnath Rama Wani passed away today following protracted illness, family members said.
85-year-old Wani breathed his last at his residence in Wada in neighbouring Palghar district. He was elected to the State Legislative Assembly in 1978 on a then Janata Party ticket from the then Wada (ST) Assembly constituency.
He is survived by his wife, three daughters and a son.
Wani was cremated at Wada and scores of persons from various walks of life including politicians and social workers were present for the funeral.
He said the youth of the state need to decide that they
will not pick up stone but will pick up pen and conquer the world.
He also appealed to the countrymen not to criticise those who are on the wrong path.
"If you think that some J&K youth have gone astray, please do not criticise them. Instead, you can convince them with love and dialogue and bring them on the right path," he said.
26-year-old Wani is currently serving as a junior engineer in Udhampur.
