Gujarat’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Manjalpur Yogesh Patel died on Tuesday at the age of 79 following a cardiac ailment. He was undergoing treatment at Sterling Hospital in Vadodara, where he had been admitted two days ago.

Patel had represented the Manjalpur Assembly constituency since 2012 and was re-elected in 2017 and 2022. Before shifting to Manjalpur, he was elected from the Raopura Assembly constituency in 2002 and 2007. 

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed grief over Yogesh Patel’s death in a post on X.

“He remained committed to the service of the nation and the people and earned a place in the hearts of ordinary citizens. I pray that God grants peace to his soul and gives strength to his family and supporters to bear this loss,” the Chief Minister said.

Patel served as Minister for Narmada Development and Housing in the government led by former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

He was also associated with cultural and social activities in Vadodara and was involved in the organisation of festivals such as Navratri and Ganeshotsav. He played a role in promoting the city’s “Shivji Ki Sawari” procession.

Born into a textile business family, Patel began his public life through student and social movements. He later founded the Vadodara Vikas Manch and contested local body elections before joining the BJP in 1995.