Journalism of Courage
Congress stalwart and Jat heavyweight Sis Ram Ola succumbed to prolonged illness at Medanta Medicity in Gurgaon Sunday morning. He was 86. Ola was admitted to the hospital on November 24 following stomach and cardiac complaints. He will be cremated in his native village,Ardawta in Jhunjhunu,Monday afternoon with full state honours.
Ola had been working on farmers issues in Rajasthan since his early years and was elected to the state legislative assembly eight times from 1957 to 1990,and served again from 1993 to 1996. From 1980 to 1990,Ola as a Cabinet Minister in the state government handled several portfolios.
In 1996,he was elected to the 11th Lok Sabha and served as the Union Minister of State (independent charge) for chemicals and fertilisers and later as water resources minister. He was re-elected to the 12th Lok Sabha in 1998,the 13th in 1999 and the 14th in 2004,when he was made Cabinet minister for labour and employment and later for mines. He was re-elected to the 15th Lok Sabha in 2009 and in June this year,was inducted into the Union Cabinet as Minister for Labour and Employment.
Despite his age,Ola was involved in the partys activities in Rajasthan as well as at the Center. He played a key role in the recent Assembly elections and had a say in the ticket distribution process.
Ola was awarded the Padma Shri in 1968 for his contribution to women and child development and education.
He is survived by his wife,two sons and a daughter. His son Brijendra Singh Ola is a sitting MLA from Jhunjhunu.
Ola served Rajasthan and the country with deep commitment and devotion, Rajasthan Governor Margaret Alva said.
Former CM Ashok Gehlot hailed Ola for championing the cause of farmers.
