Senior leader of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and former Member of Parliament, Ram Vilas Vedanti, passed away on Monday morning. He was undergoing treatment at the super speciality hospital attached to Shyam Shah Medical College in Rewa.
Health Deterioration During Religious Discourse
The 75-year-old leader's health took a sudden turn for the worse on the evening of December 13. Vedanti was participating in a Ramkatha discourse in Bhathwa (Lalgaon) village of Rewa district when he complained of chest pain. The religious event had commenced in the village on December 8, and Vedanti had joined the congregation on December 10 after traveling from Delhi via Prayagraj.
"For four days, Maharaj ji recited the Katha. On December 13 too, he spoke as usual. After 9 pm, he complained of chest pain," recounted Ramji Upadhyay, the organiser of the Ramkatha.
Failed Airlift and Critical Condition
Following the chest pain, Vedanti was admitted to the hospital on Saturday night. His condition was diagnosed as serious, involving cardiac complications and kidney-related issues. In a bid to get him advanced care, arrangements were made to airlift him to AIIMS Bhopal on Sunday.
However, this critical medical evacuation plan was thwarted by dense fog, which prevented the air ambulance from landing in Bhopal. The former MP was consequently brought back to the Rewa hospital for continued treatment.
Doctors stated that the infection eventually spread to multiple organs. Vedanti reportedly suffered another cardiac arrest late on Sunday night. Despite sustained efforts by the medical team, he succumbed to his ailments at around 11 am on Monday.
Final Hours and Legacy
Ramji Upadhyay provided a timeline of the leader's final hours. "He was conscious and recognising people till around 3.30 pm on Sunday, after which he became unconscious," Upadhyay said.
Ram Vilas Vedanti was a prominent voice in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and served as a Member of Parliament. His passing marks the end of an era for many of his followers and within the socio-political circles associated with the movement. The news has sent waves of grief through his supporters and the regions where he was actively involved in religious and political work.
