Lucknow: Former Union minister and Congress veteran Mohsina Kidwai passed away on Wednesday morning. She was 94.She succumbed to age-related ailments, her family said in an official statement.Kidwai was known for her administrative acumen, organisational strength and commitment to public service.A three-time Lok Sabha member from Azamgarh and Meerut and a former Rajya Sabha member, she also served as a Union minister and held key organisational roles within the Congress.Known for her proximity to the Gandhi family, she remained an influential voice in party affairs well into her later years.Top Congress brass took to X to express grief. In a post, Sonia Gandhi described Kidwai as “a leader of exceptional ability, dedication, dignity and warmth,” adding that her contribution to the party and the country would always be remembered.Congress MP and the leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi said Kidwai’s life was “a shining example of commitment to public service and Congress ideology”, noting that her guidance inspired generations of party workers.Priyanka Gandhi also termed Kidwai “a source of wisdom and strength” and recalled her personal warmth and mentorship during her political work in Uttar Pradesh.Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the party lost “one of its tallest and most respected leaders”, and praised her decades-long service and dedication to its ideals.Congress general secretary Avinash Pande remembered her as a “guiding force” for the organisation, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where she played a crucial role in strengthening the party structure over the years.Describing her as a towering leader whose contribution to strengthening the party in the state would always be remembered, UP Congress president Ajay Rai said her demise was an irreparable loss to the Congress and to public life, recalling her as a guiding force for generations of party workers.Chief minister Yogi Adityanath also conveyed condolences and acknowledged her long political career and service to the nation.Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav expressed condolences and described Kidwai as a seasoned leader whose contribution to public life would be remembered with respect.
