Tributes pour in as former minister and six-time MLA dies after prolonged illness
Team Clarion
BHOPAL — The historic Madhya Pradesh city of Bhopal is mourning the loss of its beloved leader, Arif Aqeel, who breathed his last at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness. The former Madhya Pradesh minister and six-time MLA from Bhopal North died in a private hospital on Monday morning.
Affectionately called the ‘Lion of Bhopal’ Arif Aqeel, a senior Congress leader, struggled with ill health for an extended period. He was admitted to Apollo Hospital following complaints of chest pain. His demise has elicited a wave of grief across the city, with prominent leaders expressing their condolences.
Former state chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed his sorrow. “I pray to God for peace of the departed soul and strength to the family to bear this great loss,” he said.
State Congress chief Jitu Patwari also paid rich tributes to the departed leader. “Respected Aqeel Sahab’s entire life was dedicated to social service and he was always a popular leader. His demise is an irreparable loss,” he said.
Arif Aqeel’s political career was marked by his record-setting consecutive wins from the Bhopal North Assembly constituency. He became the only Muslim MLA in Madhya Pradesh and was renowned for his dedication to his constituents. Due to ill health, he opted not to contest the 2023 assembly elections. His son, Atif Aqeel, was fielded by the Congress and secured a significant victory.
Arif Aqeel was celebrated for his simple lifestyle and commitment to public service. He played a pivotal role in settling various areas within his assembly constituency and providing housing for the homeless. Throughout his 40-year political career, Aqeel served as a minister twice during Congress regimes, managing key departments like Minority Welfare, Jail, and Food.
Arif Aqeel’s political journey began in 1990 when he was elected as an independent MLA. Despite a loss in 1993, he secured consecutive victories in the 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018 elections, maintaining a stronghold on his constituency.
The death of Arif Aqeel has left a void in Bhopal’s political landscape. His leadership and service will be fondly remembered by the people of Bhopal and beyond.
