Udaipur, March 31: Veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister Dr. Girija Vyas (79) suffered burn injuries during a traditional Gangaur puja at her residence in Udaipur. The incident occurred when her dupatta accidentally caught fire from a lit oil lamp during the ceremony.
She was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Udaipur for initial treatment. Following medical assessment, she was referred to a hospital in Ahmedabad for advanced care.
Family Confirms Incident During Religious Ceremony
According to her brother Gopal Sharma, he was at a farmhouse when he received the news of the accident. Upon returning home, he learned that Dr. Vyas was performing Gangaur rituals when the fire from a diya led to her dupatta catching fire.
Her daughter-in-law, Hitanshi Sharma, said that the family had completed the puja, and everyone had returned to their respective routines when the accident happened. She, her husband, and a domestic staff member named Basant immediately took Dr. Vyas to the hospital.
Political Career and Contributions
Dr. Girija Vyas is one of the most prominent faces in Indian politics, especially within the Congress party. Over her distinguished career, she has held several key positions:
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Former Union Minister
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President of the National Commission for Women (twice)
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Tourism Minister in the Rajasthan government (1985–1990)
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Three-time Member of Parliament from Udaipur (1991, 1996, 1999)
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MP from Chittorgarh (2009)
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Former President of Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee
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Ex-editor-in-chief of Congress’s official publication “Congress Sandesh”
She has also served as All India Congress Committee’s Media In-Charge and head of the party’s Vichar Vibhag (Ideological Wing).
Current Health Status
While no official statement has been released about her current condition in Ahmedabad, family sources suggest that her injuries are being closely monitored by medical professionals. The Congress party and political colleagues have expressed concern and extended their wishes for her speedy recovery.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.