Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Former Madhya Pradesh minister and veteran Congress leader Arif Aqueel passed away on Monday at the age of 72 in a private hospital in Bhopal after a prolonged illness.
Aqueel, who represented the Bhopal North assembly seat six times during his long political career, is survived by his wife, three sons, and one daughter. He was first elected as an Independent MLA in 1990 and later joined the Congress party. He won elections from the Bhopal North seat in 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018. However, he lost the 1993 election when he ran as a Janata Dal-supported candidate.
Politicians express grief
Politicians including MP CM Mohan Yadav, former Congress CM Kamal Nath, MPCC Chief Jitu Patwari and others expresses their grief over his demise
His son, Atif Aqueel, who is also an MLA, shared that Arif Aqueel was admitted to Apollo Sage Hospital on Sunday evening after complaining of chest pain. He was placed on ventilator support but unfortunately passed away the next morning.
Funeral procession to be taken out at 3:30 Pm
Arif Aqueel’s funeral procession will start from Lakshmi Talkies Sarai in Bhopal at 3:30 PM. The funeral prayers will be held on Bal Vihar Road, and he will be laid to rest at Bade Bagh Cemetery.
Underwent heart surgery last year
Last year, Arif Aqueel underwent heart surgery after blockages were found during a medical examination. This surgery took place at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. Following his surgery, he decided not to contest in the elections, and his son Atif was nominated by the party to run from Bhopal North. Despite his health challenges, Arif campaigned for his son from a jeep and wheelchair.
Known as the Sher-e-Bhopal
Known as the Sher-e-Bhopal, Arif Aqueel was renowned for his unyielding hold on the Bhopal North constituency, a stronghold that the BJP was unable to break for over two decades. He was admired for his unbiased approach to his work and his belief that anyone who sought his help was his responsibility.
