Rewa/Ayodhya, December 15: Senior Ram Janmabhoomi movement leader and former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Ram Vilas Vedanti passed away on Monday after suffering a heart attack in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district. He was 67.
Vedanti had been unwell for several days and was undergoing treatment at a superspecialty hospital affiliated with Shyam Shah Medical College. Despite medical efforts, his condition deteriorated, and he breathed his last on Monday morning.
Last Rites to Be Performed in Ayodhya
Vedanti’s disciple Chhote Das Maharaj confirmed that his last rites will be conducted in Ayodhya, the spiritual centre that remained closely associated with his life and work.
Ayodhya Mayor Girishpati Tripathi said Vedanti’s body was being transported to Ayodhya, where thousands of followers and disciples are expected to pay their final respects.
Health Complications Led to Cardiac Arrest
Hospital superintendent Dr Akshay Srivastava stated that Vedanti was admitted on December 14 after suffering from septicemia, a severe blood infection.
“His blood pressure had dropped significantly, and his kidneys had stopped functioning. He suffered a heart attack late Sunday night and was placed on ventilator support,” Dr Srivastava said.
Doctors attempted to shift him to AIIMS Bhopal via air ambulance, but dense fog prevented the transfer.
A Life Deeply Connected to the Ram Janmabhoomi Movement
Born on October 7, 1958, in Gudhwa village of Rewa district, Ram Vilas Vedanti emerged as a prominent religious and political figure during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
He served as:
- Executive President of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust
- BJP Member of Parliament from Machhlishahar (1996–1998) and Pratapgarh (1998–1999)
Vedanti was a disciple of Mahant Abhiram Das of Hanumangarhi, a key figure in the Ram Janmabhoomi history.
He resided at Hindu Dham, Naya Ghat, Ayodhya, and also established Vashishth Bhavan Ashram, which became a centre for religious discourse and spiritual activities.
Leaders Express Deep Condolences
CM Yogi Adityanath Calls It an ‘Irreparable Loss’
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed profound grief, describing Vedanti’s demise as an irreparable loss to Sanatan Dharma.
“The passing away of Dr Ram Vilas Vedanti Ji Maharaj, a prominent figure of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement and revered saint of Ayodhya Dham, is a great loss to the spiritual world,” the Chief Minister posted on X.
He prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength for his followers.
Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya Pays Tribute
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya also mourned Vedanti’s death, calling him a guiding force in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
“His life of selfless service to religion, society, and the nation will always inspire generations,” Maurya said.
Final Journey of a Spiritual and Political Icon
Vedanti had arrived in Rewa on December 10 to narrate a religious discourse when his health suddenly worsened. His passing marks the end of an era for many followers who saw him as both a spiritual guide and a steadfast voice of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
As Ayodhya prepares to bid farewell, tributes continue to pour in for a leader whose life remained dedicated to faith, ideology, and public service.