New Delhi: Endearing, loyal and devoted to his work, Shri Motilal Vora Ji was the last of the Gandhian leaders in the Congress and a long-time confidant of the party’s first family.

Vora Ji, who sailed through the turbulence of state and national politics for nearly five decades with his affable personality and unflinching commitment, died at the age of 92 on 21st December, 2020, just a day after celebrating his 93rd birthday on 20th December.

The former Madhya Pradesh CM had tested positive for Covid-19 in October, and was admitted to AIIMS New Delhi. He was released after showing signs of recovery but was admitted to Fortis Escort hospital last week with a urinary infection, necessitating the use of a ventilator. Vora Ji’s body was flown to Chhattisgarh where he was respectfully cremated.

From Indira to Rahul

Called “Babuji”, the former Chief Minister of undivided Madhya Pradesh and former governor of Uttar Pradesh in the post-Babri Masjid demolition era was considered as the people’s man and was accessible to all.

He remained a staunch Gandhi family loyalist and was a trusted lieutenant of Congress president Sonia Gandhi till the end.

Vora Ji was also a long-time AICC treasurer, occupying the position for almost two decades till 2018. He was also the chairman of Associated Journals Limited (AJL) and later a director in the Young Indian, associated with the National Herald.

Born in 1927 in Rajasthan’s Nagaur district, Vora Ji grew up to work as a journalist for several years before taking the plunge into politics at the age of 40.

Vora Ji began his political career as a member of the Socialist Party in 1968. However, in 1972, he earned himself a Congress ticket from Madhya Pradesh, and was elected to the assembly.

In the subsequent decades, Vora Ji held key positions, transitioning from one to another rather effortlessly.

In 1985, Vora Ji became the Chief Minister of undivided Madhya Pradesh — a post he left three years later in 1988 to join the Rajiv Gandhi government as the Union Minister of Health, Family Welfare and Civil Aviation.

In 1993, he was appointed the governor of Uttar Pradesh, holding the role for three years. In 1998, Vora Ji won the Lok Sabha election from MP’s Rajnandgaon (now in Chhattisgarh) constituency.

His inning began with Indira ji as PM, and he continued to be a pillar to date, as Rahul Gandhi ji takes over. From Indira ji to Rajiv ji to Sonia ji and now Rahul ji, every leader of the party has shown their trust in him over the years.

Old-timers say that he was one of the leaders who would make it a point to sit in the AICC office everyday during his various roles in the party — last as the AICC general secretary (administration).

Vora Ji was a Rajya Sabha MP from Chhattisgarh until April this year, and also served as the Congress’ general secretary before the major organisational reshuffle by Smt. Sonia Gandhi in September. His son Arun Vora is an MLA from Durg in Chhattisgarh.

He has left behind his wife, two sons and four daughters.

Senior Congress Leader Motilal Vora Cremated with Full State Honours in Chhattisgarh

Congress and BJP leaders, and local people lined up to pay tributes to Motilal Vora

Durg: Congress stalwart and former Chief Minister of undivided Madhya Pradesh Shri Motilal Vora was cremated with full state honours on 22nd December, 2020 in his hometown in Chhattisgarh in the presence of prominent political leaders.

The last rites of the 92-year-old Congress veteran, were held at around 5 pm at Shivnath Nadi Muktidham, located on the banks of the Shivnath river in Durg, where a large number of political leaders and citizens turned up to pay their respects to the politician.

Motilal Vora Ji’s elder son Arvind lit the funeral pyre amid chanting of Vedic mantras.

Chhattisgarh Governor Anusuiya Uikey, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, AICC General Secretary Mukul Wasnik, ex-Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and several other Congress and BJP leaders were among those who reached Durg town to pay tribute to Shri Motilal Vora.

Shri Motilal Vora, the former Chief Minister of undivided Madhya Pradesh, had also served as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh and held key positions in the Congress during his decades-long political career.

Earlier in the day, the body of Shri Motilal Vora was flown to the state capital Raipur from Delhi and kept in the Chhattisgarh Congress office - Rajiv Bhavan - where party leaders and workers paid homage to him.

Then, his remains were taken to his native town Durg where they were kept at his residence in Padmanabhpur area to enable members of the public to pay homage.

Sonia Gandhi’s tribute to late Motilal Vora: ‘You will be greatly missed Vora ji’

“It was a joke amongst many of my colleagues that when they met Vora Ji to obtain financial support, he would suddenly pretend to be hard of hearing...” writes the Congress President

You will be missed not only because you were an exceptional human being who was friend, colleague and mentor to so many in the larger Congress family, but as one who drew the loyalty and admiration of people across the political spectrum, across class and creed, caste and community. You will be missed because of your long years of faithful service, your deep experience of public life, your integrity and your rare ability to inspire and work with everybody you came in contact with.

Vora Ji, as he was called by everybody who knew him, was a stalwart Congressman, a man who especially enriched political life in the three states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh. He was an active Parliamentarian for so many years, impressing one and all by his sheer stamina and diligence that even advancing age could not dim. I have seen for myself the great respect he commanded across political parties.

Vora Ji discharged his responsibilities as Treasurer of the Indian National Congress for almost two decades diligently and effectively. He was meticulous with the accounts and ensured smooth functioning of the party office even during challenging times. And he also did so with good humour. It was a joke amongst many of my colleagues that when they met Vora Ji to obtain financial support for one political activity or another, he would suddenly pretend to be hard of hearing. But as they were leaving, he would remind them of their dues to the party’s accounts!

In recent years he was subject to extraordinary harassment by government agencies and subject to day-long interrogations on completely false and wholly politically-orchestrated charges on matters relating to National Herald. But in spite of his years and at times indifferent health, he confronted these allegations boldly and met his tormentors with his trademark smile. I would get agitated at his ordeal but Vora ji himself always remained calm and collected.

To me personally, Vora ji was more than a Treasurer. He was always a source of sage and wise counsel both on people and on issues. I would consult him on all sorts of matters because I knew very well that he could be relied upon to give me honest, unbiased advice that would remain totally discreet. Because he was so easily accessible to party workers from across the country, he would very often tell me about what he had heard from them which I would always find was very valuable feedback.

What was truly remarkable of Vora ji—and almost unique—was the fact that his zest and energy remained undimmed even as the years passed. His photographic memory remained as sharp as ever till the very end, carrying not only all details of receipts and expenditures in his head, never requiring any notes for support, but also of conversations and events that were long forgotten by everyone else. Till his term ended, he was active in the Rajya Sabha, raising issues of public concern and asking searching questions. When he did so, members applauded him for his unwavering dedication and manifest commitment.

Vora ji, you touched our lives in so many ways. I am sure wherever you and our other departed colleagues are, you still talk about the Congress Party.

In a condolence letter by former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Motilal Vora Ji’s son Arun Vora, Dr. Singh said:

“I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of senior Congress leader and my esteemed colleague in Rajya Sabha, Shri Motilal Vora ji. He was a true Congress leader with a lot of administrative and Political experience. He served as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Governor of Uttar Pradesh and Treasurer of Indian National Congress for 16 years. In his death our country has lost a veteran Congress leader and an excellent administrator.

My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family”.

In another condolence letter by former Congress President Shri Rahul Gandhi to Vora Ji’s son Arun Vora, Rahul Ji said:

“I am deeply saddened by the demise of your father Shri Motilal Vora Ji. Wehave lost a veteran leader whose remarkable contribution to the Congress party will be remembered.

In all illustrious political journey spanning over several decades, his fierce commitment to public service and contribution towards civil discourse touched the lives of many. Generations of Congress men and women deeply loved him for his humility and patience. His legacy will continue to inspire us all. Those fortunate to have known him, will deeply miss his wisdom and wit. We will cherish his memory and continue to live by the values he stood for.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.”

Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s twitter message:

…Even at the age of 92, he was present in every meeting, openly expressed his views on every decision. Bidding adieu to him with a sorrowful heart today, we feel as if an elderly counsel has been lost. The void can never be filled, and we will all remember him with fondness.

...With the death of Shri Motilal Vora Ji, there is a strong sense of deep personal loss among every single leader and every single worker of the Congress party. Feeling personally sad. Vora ji was the symbol of loyalty and dedication towards Congress ideology and patience…