Veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Mohsina Kidwai passed away on Wednesday at the age of 94 in Noida due to age-related ailments. Kidwai, who served under former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, was a prominent figure in Indian politics and held several key ministerial portfolios during her career. She passed away at Metro Hospital in Noida and is scheduled to be laid to rest at the Nizamuddin graveyard at around 5 pm on Wednesday.

Kidwai’s political journey began at the age of 28 in 1960, when she won a seat in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council. She later advanced to national politics with her victory in the 1978 by-election for the Azamgarh Lok Sabha seat. Over her long career, she served as a member of the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and both the state legislative assembly and council, reflecting her extensive experience across multiple levels of governance.

In addition to her legislative roles, Kidwai was an influential member of the Congress Working Committee and the party’s Central Election Committee. She remained active in party affairs even in her later years, notably emerging as one of the proposers for Shashi Tharoor’s candidature during the 2022 Congress presidential polls, which Tharoor eventually lost to Mallikarjun Kharge.

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Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge met with her family to offer condolences, while Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to her legacy. Gandhi described her life as “an example of public service” and said she inspired several generations of women through her simplicity, gentleness, and dignified political career.

Kidwai’s tenure in government saw her contribute to policy-making at the national level while also advocating for women’s representation and social welfare initiatives. Her decades-long presence in politics earned her widespread respect across party lines, and her passing marks the end of an era for the Congress party’s veteran leadership.

She is remembered not only for her ministerial contributions but also for her commitment to public service and her ability to navigate Indian politics with grace and dignity, leaving a lasting impact on both her party and the country.

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