Senior Congress leader Eknath Gaikwad dies of Covid-19

The former MP was the father of Maharashtra School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad

Former Maharashtra minister and senior Congress leader Eknath Gaikwad. Credit: DH Photo

Former Maharashtra minister and senior Congress leader Eknath Gaikwad died of Covid-19 infection here on Wednesday, party sources said.

He was 81.

The former MP, who was the father of Maharashtra School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad, succumbed to the viral infection at a city hospital around 10 am, the sources added.

Eknath Gaikwad had also served as the president of the Mumbai Congress.

Describing Gaikwad as a "father-like figure and mentor", Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said the death was "quite saddening".

"Congress party and I have suffered immense loss. Short of words. Tributes!" Sawant tweeted.