Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh | January 8: Samajwadi Party MLA from Duddhi and senior tribal leader Vijay Singh Gond passed away on Thursday at a hospital in Lucknow. He was 71 years old. Family sources confirmed that he had been unwell for a long time.
Vijay Singh Gond Cause of Death
Vijay Singh Gond was undergoing treatment for kidney-related problems at the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) in Lucknow. Despite medical care, his condition did not improve.
A Respected Tribal Leader
Gond was widely known as a strong voice for tribal communities in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Leaders and residents across Sonbhadra described his death as a major loss for the region.
Avadh Narayan Yadav, president of the Samajwadi Party in the Duddhi Assembly constituency, said Gond’s passing was an “irreparable loss” for both the area and the tribal community.
Long Political Journey
Vijay Singh Gond began his political career in 1980. He first won the Duddhi seat as a Congress MLA. Over the years, he represented several parties and also won once as an Independent candidate.
He was elected from Duddhi:
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As a Congress MLA in 1980 and 1985
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As an Independent in 1989
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On a Janata Dal ticket in 1991 and 1993
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On a Samajwadi Party ticket in 1996 and 2002
Most recently, he returned to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly after winning the 2024 by-election as a Samajwadi Party candidate.
Ministerial Role
During the Mulayam Singh Yadav-led government, Gond held the status of a Minister of State. He was known for raising issues related to tribal welfare, land rights, and local development.
According to party leaders, Gond’s mortal remains are expected to reach Duddhi by Thursday evening. His last rites will be performed on the banks of the Kandhar river.
Condolences Pour In
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and several senior leaders expressed deep sorrow over Gond’s death. Many described him as a grassroots leader who stayed closely connected with the people throughout his life.
