Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan Jagannath Pahadia passed away due to COVID-19 on Wednesday. He was 89-year-old.

Taking to Twitter, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot wrote, “The news of death of former Chief Minister of the state Shri Jagannath Pahadia ji is very sad. Mr Pahadia served the country for a long time as Chief Minister, as Governor, as Union Minister and was among the senior leaders of the country.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute the leader. He wrote, “Saddened by the demise of former Rajasthan CM, Shri Jagannath Pahadia Ji. In his long political and administrative career, he made noteworthy contributions to further social empowerment. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.”

He was the chief minister of Rajasthan in 1980-81 and also a former governor of Haryana and Bihar.

The state government has announced a one-day mourning on Thursday during which government offices will be closed and the national flag will fly at half-mast.