Kanpur, November 28, 2025 — Sriprakash Jaiswal, former Union minister and senior Congress leader, passed away on Friday at the age of 81 following a cardiac arrest. His death marks the end of a distinguished political career that spanned several decades and saw him serve both his hometown of Kanpur and the nation at large.

Jaiswal’s health deteriorated in the evening, prompting his family to rush him first to a local nursing home in Kidwai Nagar. As his condition worsened, he was shifted to the Cardiology Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Jaiswal was survived by his wife, Maya Rani Jaiswal, whom he married in 1967, two sons, a daughter, and two grandchildren. His family was present during his final hours.

Born in 1944 in Kanpur to Ganga Prasad Jaiswal and Chandrakali Devi, Sriprakash Jaiswal maintained deep ties with his native city throughout his life. His political journey began early, reflecting his commitment to public service. He attended BNSD Inter College and later became actively involved in local politics, eventually being elected Mayor of Kanpur in 1989, a position that allowed him to shape the city’s civic and administrative landscape.

Jaiswal’s contributions extended to national politics when he was elected to the 13th Lok Sabha from the Kanpur constituency in 1999. He retained the seat in 2004 and 2009, becoming a three-term Member of Parliament and one of the most prominent Congress leaders from Uttar Pradesh. During his tenure in the UPA government led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he held key portfolios. He served as Minister of State for Home Affairs from 2004 to 2009 and later took charge of the Coal Ministry from January 2011 to May 2014.

Apart from his ministerial responsibilities, Jaiswal was also the president of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee from 2000 to 2002, further solidifying his role as a senior party strategist and organizer. His political career was marked not only by administrative acumen but also by his efforts to address critical social issues. In 2009, following violent attacks on Indian students in Australia, he traveled to Melbourne to assess the situation firsthand. His visits to hospitals, temples, and public transport systems helped draw international attention to the plight of the affected students.

Even after his defeat in the 2014 general elections, Jaiswal remained active in Kanpur’s political and social sphere, continuing to influence civic initiatives and mentoring young leaders. His deep engagement with local issues and persistent efforts to improve public welfare earned him respect across party lines.

Condoling his demise, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described Jaiswal as a “true and loyal Congressman who worked diligently for the development and welfare of Kanpur.” Senior party leader Har Prakash Agnihotri highlighted that Jaiswal had shaped Kanpur’s political and civic landscape for over three decades. Pawan Gupta, the city Congress president, noted that Jaiswal’s sustained parliamentary and ministerial contributions made him one of the most influential Congress leaders from Uttar Pradesh.

Jaiswal’s death is being mourned widely within the party and among the people of Kanpur, who remember him not just for his political achievements but also for his accessibility and commitment to the welfare of citizens. His decades-long career serves as a reminder of a time when public service and political leadership were closely intertwined, and his legacy is likely to influence future generations of leaders in the region.