Udhampur, September 8 — Dinanath Bhagat, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly from Chenani, passed away on Sunday. He was 79. Mr. Bhagat’s demise has elicited condolences from political leaders, colleagues and constituents.
Born in 1946 in Chenani, Udhampur district, Mr. Bhagat was the son of Lalchand Ram. After completing his Class 10 education at Government High School, Thial in 1967, he served as a government employee before entering politics. His personal simplicity and dedication to public welfare earned him widespread respect across the region.
Mr. Bhagat was elected to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in 2014 from the Chenani constituency, a seat reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates in Udhampur district. Contesting on a BJP ticket, he secured 33,047 votes, defeating his nearest rival, Krishan Chander of the Indian National Congress, by a margin of 20,332 votes. During his tenure, he was known for advocating rural development initiatives and working closely with local communities to address infrastructural and social concerns.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, representing the Udhampur-Doda parliamentary constituency, expressed his grief, stating, “I am deeply saddened to receive the news of the demise of our very dear senior colleague and former MLA Chenani, Sh. Dinanath Bhagat.” He offered his “sincere condolences to his son Naresh and other members of the family,” and prayed for peace, adding, “Om Shanti.”
Political leaders from across party lines paid tribute to Mr. Bhagat, remembering his accessibility, integrity and commitment to public service. His passing is seen as a significant loss to Jammu and Kashmir’s political fraternity, particularly in the Chenani region, where he remained a guiding presence for many.
Funeral rites are expected to be held in his hometown, with family, friends and well-wishers gathering to offer their respects.
The Chenab Times News Desk
