<p>Uttarakhand Transport and Social Welfare Minister Surendra Rakesh died Saturday after a protracted battle with cancer, a government spokesman said.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Rakesh, 44, died at a Gurgaon hospital. A Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA, Rakesh was part of the Harish Rawat-led Congress government.<br /><br />Following his demise, a meeting of the state cabinet, which was scheduled for the day was cancelled, an official said. <br /><br />The state government has announced three-day state mourning as a mark of respect for the departed leader.<br /><br />Rakesh's body is being flown to Bhagwanpur, his legislative constituency, where it would be received by Chief Minister Harish Rawat, officials said. <br /><br />His cremation will take place there in the presence of family members, relatives and cabinet colleagues.<br /></p>
<p>Uttarakhand Transport and Social Welfare Minister Surendra Rakesh died Saturday after a protracted battle with cancer, a government spokesman said.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Rakesh, 44, died at a Gurgaon hospital. A Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA, Rakesh was part of the Harish Rawat-led Congress government.<br /><br />Following his demise, a meeting of the state cabinet, which was scheduled for the day was cancelled, an official said. <br /><br />The state government has announced three-day state mourning as a mark of respect for the departed leader.<br /><br />Rakesh's body is being flown to Bhagwanpur, his legislative constituency, where it would be received by Chief Minister Harish Rawat, officials said. <br /><br />His cremation will take place there in the presence of family members, relatives and cabinet colleagues.<br /></p>