New Delhi: Former Union Coal Minister and veteran Congress leader Shri Sriprakash Jaiswal died after a prolonged illness in Kanpur on November 28, 2025. He was 81. His condition suddenly deteriorated, and he was rushed for medical aid.

He was first taken to a nursing home in Kidwai Nagar and was then referred to the Laxmipat Singhania Institute of Cardiology, where doctors declared him dead on arrival, citing heart-related complications.

He was born on Sept 25, 1944, in Kanpur. He began his political career as President of the Kanpur City Congress Committee before being elevated to joint secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee. Thereafter, he entered electoral politics. In 1989, he was elected mayor of Kanpur – a victory that significantly elevated his stature in the Party.

Shri Sriprakash Jaiswal was a three-time MP from 1999 to 2009 and served as Union minister of state for home and Union minister of state (independent charge) for steel in the Dr. Manmohan Singh-led government.

He lost the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He did not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections due to health issues.

Before entering the Union Cabinet, he served as the President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) from 2000 to 2002.

Condoling his demise, Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge said that he was a true Congressman who worked diligently for the development and welfare of Kanpur.

In a post in Hindi on X, Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge said, “The news of the passing of my colleague in the UPA government, former Union minister and senior Congress leader Sriprakash Jaiswal, is deeply saddening. He was a true and dedicated Congressman who worked diligently for the development and welfare of Kanpur.”

In another post in Hindi on X post, Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi said, “The news of the demise of former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Shri Prakash Jaiswal is extremely saddening. His dedication to public service and to the Party is exemplary. His departure is an irreplaceable loss for the Congress. At this difficult time, my condolences are with his grieving family, supporters, and well-wishers, Uttar Pradesh.”

Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee’s President Shri Ajay Rai said, “The news of the demise of former Union Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal is extremely heartbreaking. His contribution to the politics of Kanpur and UP will remain unforgettable.”