Udaipur- On May 1, 2025, Rajasthan and the Indian political landscape mourned the loss of Dr. Girija Vyas, a veteran Congress leader, former Union Minister, and a towering figure in Indian politics. Dr. Vyas, aged 78, passed away in a private hospital in Ahmedabad, succumbing to injuries sustained in a tragic fire accident on Ganguar day, where her saree caught fire while performing a ritual, leading to 90% burn injuries.
Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries on Thursday late evening. The news of her accident and subsequent passing sent shockwaves across Rajasthan and beyond, with media outlets and social media platforms reporting the tragedy extensively.
Her demise marks the end of an era for the Congress party and Rajasthan politics, where she was revered for her contributions as a legislator, parliamentarian, poet, and advocate for women's rights. She has written eight books, three of which contain her poetry. Ehsaas Ke Par has her Urdu poems, Seep, Samundar Aur Moti has both her Hindi and Urdu poems while Nostalgia is enriched with English verses.
Dr. Girija Vyas began her legislative career in 1985, winning the Udaipur City Assembly seat in Rajasthan, defeating the formidable Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gulab Chand Kataria. This victory marked her debut as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from 1985 to 1990, during which she also served as Rajasthan’s Tourism Minister.
As an MLA, Dr. Vyas was known for her focus on cultural preservation and tourism development in Rajasthan, leveraging her position to promote the state’s rich heritage. Her tenure was marked by a commitment to public service, earning her respect across party lines.
Dr. Vyas had a distinguished parliamentary career, serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) four times. She represented Udaipur in the Lok Sabha in 1991, 1996, and 1999, and later Chittorgarh in 2009. Her parliamentary tenure was characterized by her articulate interventions and advocacy for social justice, urban development, and women’s rights. As a close confidante of the Gandhi family—Indira, Rajiv, Sonia, and Rahul—she wielded significant influence within the Congress party.
During her time as an MP, she held key portfolios in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) governments. Notably, she served as the Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, where she championed initiatives like the Rajiv Awas Yojana to make India slum-free. She also briefly held the portfolio of Information and Broadcasting. Her legislative contributions included vocal opposition to anti-farmer policies, such as the Modi government’s Land Bill in 2015, reflecting her commitment to marginalized communities.
Dr. Vyas served as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW) for two terms, a role that cemented her legacy as a fierce advocate for women’s rights. In February 2005, Manmohan Singh government nominated her to the position of the Chairperson of the NCW, a position she held till 2011. Her tenure at the NCW was marked by efforts to address gender-based violence, promote women’s empowerment, and strengthen legal protections for women. Her work earned her widespread recognition as a compassionate and principled leader.
Dr. Vyas served as the PCC chief, a pivotal role in steering the Congress party’s strategy in Rajasthan. Her leadership was instrumental in mobilizing the party cadre and navigating complex political dynamics, including tensions between leaders like Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot.
She also led the All India Congress Committee’s (AICC) Thought Department, contributing to the party’s ideological framework.
Beyond politics, Dr. Vyas was a noted poet, whose literary contributions added depth to her public persona. Her poetry often reflected her commitment to social justice and human values.
Her proximity to the Gandhi family and her role as a loyal Congress member made her a trusted figure within the party. She was seen as a potential counterbalance in Rajasthan’s faction-ridden Congress politics, particularly during the Gehlot-Pilot rivalry.
The demise of Dr. Girija Vyas prompted an outpouring of grief from political leaders, particularly within the Congress party, as well as across party lines.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, in his x post wrote, " The news of the demise of former Union Minister, former Rajasthan Congress President, and senior Congress leader Dr. Girija Vyas ji is profoundly saddening.
She served the nation and the Congress party in numerous significant roles, including Union Minister, Member of Parliament, Member of the Legislative Assembly, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, Chairperson of the AICC Thought Department, and Editor of Congress Sandesh.
Her passing is an irreparable loss for the Congress family, as she was an intellectual politician, a compelling orator, and an adept administrator.
From becoming a member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly at the young age of 25 to dedicating over four decades to various constitutional and organizational roles, she devoted herself to the Congress and public service. As a true Gandhian, she fulfilled her duties while setting an inspiring example of women’s empowerment.
In this moment of grief, I extend my deepest condolences to her family and well-wishers and pray for the peace of the departed soul."
Congress MP Venugopal termed Vyas as a “fearless voice and a committed public servant”. In a post on X, he wrote, “A fearless voice, a committed public servant, and a lifelong fighter for women’s rights—her passing is a huge loss to the Congress Party and the nation.”
“My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of countless people she inspired and empowered,” he added. Rajasthan's former CM Ashok Gehlot, Leader opposition Tika Ram Jully and others joined in extending their grief over Dr Vyas's demise.
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