Udaipur, May 2, 2025 - Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Dr Girija Vyas passed away last evening, May 1, aged 79. Remembered for her articulate leadership, deep involvement in women's rights issues and being among the few Indian women to lead both in Parliament and social advocacy, Dr Vyas’s demise has left a huge void in not only Rajasthan politics but across India.

The late leader’s brother Gopal Sharma informed that her funeral will be conducted in Udaipur on Friday, May 2.

Condolences and Tributes

Leaders across the State have expressed grief over her passing. Tributes and condolence messages have poured in from across the country.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi paid tribute on social media post saying, "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of former Union Minister and our senior leader Dr Girija Vyas ji. Her contribution in the field of education, social justice, and especially women's empowerment has been very important. Her demise is an irreparable loss for all of us. In this sad moment, I express my deepest condolences to her family, supporters, and well-wishers."

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said on X, “An intellectual politician… and an able administrator, her demise is an irreparable loss to the Congress family…From becoming a member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly at the age of just 25, she dedicated four decades to the Congress and public service in various constitutional and organisational roles.”

Dr Vyas’ contributions to State politics was significant. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed grief at her demise. In a post on X, Gehlot wrote, "The demise of former Union Minister and former Congress State President Dr Girija Vyas is an irreparable loss for all of us. Dr Girija Vyas has made a great contribution to the field of education, politics and social service. Her untimely demise in such an accident is a big shock for all of us. I pray to God to grant her soul a place at his feet."

Dr Vyas had sustained nearly 95 per cent burns during a religious ceremony at her home in Udaipur about a month ago. She had been undergoing treatment at a hospital in Ahmedabad. Her condition worsened over the past two to three days, and she breathed her last at 7:15 pm on May 1.

Dr Girija Vyas – Biography and Political Timeline

Born on July 8, 1946, in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, Dr Vyas did her Master’s in English Literature and then earned a doctorate in English Literature (PhD). She worked as a professor before entering full-time politics.

Political Career

Dr Vyas began her political journey in the 1980s and quickly rose through the ranks owing to her oratory skills, academic background and commitment to social issues.

Timeline

• 1985 – Elected as Member of Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from Udaipur.
• 1991 – Elected to the 10th Lok Sabha from Udaipur as a Congress candidate.
• 1996 – Elected to the 11th Lok Sabha from Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.
• 1999 – Returned to Lok Sabha again, this time from Udaipur.
• 2001–2004 – Served as Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting under the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (in the earlier NDA phase).
• 2005–2011 – Appointed as Chairperson, National Commission for Women (NCW), twice.
• 2013 – Appointed as Union Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation in the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government.
• 2014 – Contested the Lok Sabha elections but lost.

Other Roles

Dr Vyas served on various Parliamentary committees, especially those related to women, education and social justice. As NCW Chairperson, she became a prominent voice for women's rights and gender justice in India. She pushed for reforms in domestic violence laws, women’s safety and gender equality.

Dr Vyas was known for blending her academic and political worlds with intellectual grace. She was known for her academic excellence and interest in Literature and poetry in both Hindi and English. The late leader authored several books, including poetry collections. Dr Vyas wrote in both Hindi and English. Her poetry often reflected social issues, feminism, and philosophical themes.