15-10-2023 : The former Chief Election Commissioner Manohar Singh Gill, known for his illustrious career as a bureaucrat and his unique transition into politics, has passed away at the age of 86 after a brief illness. He breathed his last at a hospital in South Delhi. Gill is set to be cremated on Monday, according to sources close to him.
Manohar Singh Gill, a distinguished former civil servant, began his career under the leadership of Parkash Singh Badal, serving as a young officer during Badal’s tenure as the Chief Minister of Punjab. His administrative journey culminated in his appointment as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), where he served from December 1996 to June 2001.
During his tenure as CEC, Manohar Singh Gill and GVG Krishnamurty were appointed as members of the Election Commission, a significant milestone in the history of the poll panel. This decision transformed the Election Commission into a multi-member body, departing from its previous single-member structure, as noted by a former government functionary.
What sets Gill apart is his unique foray into politics, becoming perhaps the first former Chief Election Commissioner to do so. He entered the Rajya Sabha as a member of the Indian National Congress and was subsequently appointed as the Union Sports Minister in 2008. His diverse contributions to both the electoral processes and the realm of sports have left a lasting impact on the nation.
Manohar Singh Gill is survived by his wife and three daughters. His demise has triggered an outpouring of condolences and tributes from political figures and leaders. Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his deep sorrow and acknowledged Gill’s significant role in the nation’s development. He praised Gill’s contributions to various fields, including sports, electoral processes, and agriculture, as enduring and far-reaching.
Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh also expressed his sadness at Gill’s passing, offering heartfelt condolences to the family and praying for the departed soul’s eternal peace. Manohar Singh Gill’s legacy as a bureaucrat, politician, and contributor to the nation’s growth will be remembered and celebrated in the annals of Indian history.