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Govind Parmar’s journey in public service was a classic "grassroots" success story. Born in the village of Chikhodra in 1953, he began his political career as a Sarpanch in 1975. Over the next five decades, he became one of the most influential voices in Central Gujarat, particularly within the Kshatriya-Thakor community and the cooperative sector.
The Final Moments
According to party sources, Parmar felt uneasy in the early hours of Friday. He was rushed to a private hospital in Anand, but despite the best efforts of the medical team, he passed away following a cardiac arrest. The news of his death triggered a wave of grief among his supporters, who gathered in large numbers at the hospital and his residence.
A Versatile Political Career
Parmar was a rare leader who successfully navigated different political eras. He was a four-term MLA, winning elections in 1995, 1998, 2017, and 2022.
He first entered the Assembly as an Independent from Sarsa in 1995.
He later served as a Minister of State for Panchayats and Environment in the Vijay Rupani-led cabinet.
His popularity was evident in the 2022 elections, where he secured a massive victory from the Umreth seat with over 95,000 votes.
Tributes from the Top
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying respects, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that Parmar was "always dedicated and committed to social welfare activities." Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel described the news as "heartbreaking," remembering him as a leader who remained "connected to the land."
With his passing, the Umreth assembly seat now stands vacant. More than the political vacancy, however, the state has lost a veteran who bridged the gap between old-school grassroots connect and modern-day governance.
Key Highlights of His Career
First Political Role: Sarpanch of Chikhodra (1975–1980).
Ministerial Role: Minister of State for Panchayats (Independent Charge) and Environment.
Last Victory: Won the Umreth seat in 2022 by a margin of over 26,000 votes.
Social Impact: Served as the President of the Kshatriya Samaj Chikhodra for 32 years.
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