Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Madhya Pradesh minister Paras Jain passed away on Monday morning at the age of 77 after embracing Santhara (Sallekhana), the Jain religious vow of voluntary fasting in the final stage of life. He had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Indore and had reportedly taken Santhara three days before his demise.

His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from political leaders, social organisations and supporters across the state.

According to family members, Jain's mortal remains are being brought from Indore to Ujjain. His final journey will begin at 2 pm from his residence in Arihant Nagar on Hira Mill Road, where a large number of party workers and well-wishers are expected to gather.

Chief Minister to Attend Funeral

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav is scheduled to reach Ujjain around 1 pm to pay his final respects before the last rites.

Arrangements have been made outside Jain's residence as supporters, relatives and BJP leaders continue to arrive to offer tributes.

Embraced Santhara Before Death

Family sources said Paras Jain had accepted Santhara (Sallekhana), a revered Jain spiritual practice observed during the final phase of life through voluntary renunciation of food and water with complete religious discipline.

They also informed that Jain had pledged eye donation, body donation and skin donation during his lifetime. As per his wishes, the donation procedures will be completed before the cremation.

Six-Time MLA from Ujjain North

Paras Jain remained one of the BJP's most recognised faces in the Malwa region. He represented the Ujjain North Assembly constituency six times and served as a minister in the Madhya Pradesh government.

He first became a minister in 2004 under the cabinet headed by former Chief Minister Babulal Gaur. Active in electoral politics since 1990, Jain earned a reputation as an accessible public representative with a strong grassroots connect.

Although the BJP denied him a ticket in the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, he continued to remain associated with organisational and public activities.

A Politician with a Wrestler's Discipline

Apart from his political career, Paras Jain was widely known for his disciplined lifestyle and passion for wrestling.

Even in his late sixties, he maintained a rigorous fitness routine and regularly visited local akharas whenever his schedule permitted. He devoted nearly an hour every morning to physical exercise.

His daily post-workout diet reportedly included papaya, soaked almonds, walnuts, a bowl of fenugreek seeds and a glass of milk, reflecting the disciplined lifestyle he followed throughout his public life.

Condolences Pour In

Leaders from the BJP, social organisations and residents of Ujjain expressed grief over Jain's demise, describing him as a dedicated public servant who remained connected with people throughout his political journey.

With his passing, Madhya Pradesh has lost one of its senior political leaders whose career spanned more than three decades in public life.