BJP Spokesman Narendra Saluja Passes Away at 52 Following Cardiac Arrest in Sehore

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state spokesperson Narendra Saluja passed away due to cardiac arrest in Indore on Wednesday. He was 52.

Saluja had been in Sehore for two days, attending a wedding at a resort. On Wednesday morning, after breakfast, he felt chest pain but brushed it off as a minor gas-related issue.

Choosing to skip a scheduled afternoon visit to a local Gurudwara, he returned home to Indore. However, once there, his condition deteriorated, and he fainted. He was rushed to a private hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Political Career: From Congress to BJP

Narendra Saluja was recognised for his sharp political acumen and balanced commentary. He had been a known face in both the BJP and Congress.

Earlier, Saluja was a close aide of former Chief Minister Kamal Nath. However, a controversy during Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations at Khalsa College in Indore led to a rift with the Congress leadership.

Following this fallout, he joined the BJP in November 2022 at a high-profile event hosted at Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s residence.

A Prominent Voice in BJP

After switching to the BJP, Saluja quickly became an important spokesperson for the party in Madhya Pradesh. He gained attention for his active presence on social media, where his witty and sharp posts often went viral.

Just hours before his death, Saluja had posted greetings for Akshaya Tritiya and shared a photograph with BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya to wish him on his birthday.

Leaders Across Parties Express Grief

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav expressed deep sorrow, calling Saluja a “dedicated and soft-spoken leader” whose commitment to the party would always be remembered.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also paid tribute, describing him as a “lively personality full of energy” and “a master of sharp political satire.”

Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath and PCC chief Jitu Patwari also expressed grief over his untimely demise.

Third Spokesperson Lost to Cardiac Arrest in Three Years

Saluja is the third BJP spokesperson in Madhya Pradesh to die of cardiac arrest in recent years.

Earlier, Umesh Sharma passed away in September 2022, and senior BJP leader Govind Malu succumbed to a heart attack on May 8, 2024.

Saluja’s death adds to this unfortunate sequence. According to family sources, after returning to Indore from Sehore on Wednesday, he experienced worsening pain and collapsed at home. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors could not revive him.

Dual Legacy in Politics

Before his transition to the BJP, Saluja held an important position in the Congress and was seen as a trusted associate of Kamal Nath.

Post-2022, he served as a state spokesperson for the BJP, carving a unique niche for himself in both parties. His articulate and often satirical communication style made him a known face in political circles and a frequent subject of media attention.

Remembered for His Personality and Contributions

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav shared his grief on X, calling Saluja a “sharp speaker” and “young colleague,” adding that his “soft-spokenness, simplicity and spontaneity” were key aspects of his personality.

Saluja is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter.

Political Journey and Sudden End

Saluja began his political career in the Congress and stayed close to the party’s leadership until 2022, when he joined the BJP during the “Bharat Jodo Yatra” led by Rahul Gandhi. His switch was seen as a significant political move in Madhya Pradesh.

His death has left a void in state politics, with leaders from across the spectrum remembering him for his dedication, wit, and impactful political presence.