Ex-Himachal Pradesh CM Virbhadra Singh dies at 87

Shimla : Former Himachal Pradesh CM and Congress senior leader Virbhadra Singh passed away on Thursday morning after suffering a prolonged illness. He was 87 years old.

The veteran leader breathed his last at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) here at 3.40 am, senior medical superintendent Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Dr. Janak Raj said.

He had suffered a heart attack on Monday and was critical since then. He was admitted to the CCU of IGMC.

Mr Virbhadra was put on ventilator under the supervision of the doctors of the cardiology department on Wednesday after he had breathing problem, he added.

The nine-time MLA and five-time MP, Mr Singh served as Himachal Pradesh's chief minister for six times.

He had tested positive for coronavirus on June 11 for the second time in two months. He had earlier tested positive on April 12.

The veteran Congress leader remained chief minister of the state for six times- from April 8, 1983 to March 5, 1990, December 3, 1993 to March 23, 1998 and from March 6, 2003 to December 29, 2007 and for the sixth time from December 25, 2012 to December 26, 2017.