Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Kamal Rani, who was undergoing treatment for coronavirus at a Lucknow hospital, died on Sunday morning. She was 62.

Kamal Rani, minister of technical education in the state government, was admitted to a Rajdhani Covid hospital on July 18.

“The condition of minister deteriorated after infection in lungs. She was put on life support system. Despite the best efforts of doctors she passed away on Sunday,” said Director PGI professor Radha Krishna Dheeman.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed grief over the demise of the minister.

The CM, who was set to review today preparations for Ram temple bhoomi pujan ceremony on August 5, has cancelled his Ayodhya visit after the news of the minister’s death. Rani was an MLA from Ghatampur constituency in Kanpur.

Rani was also a member of the 11th and 12th Lok Sabha.

“Kamal Rani Varun respected public aspirations as a minister. As a minister, she made commendable contribution in efficiently discharging departmental functions,” tweeted UP chief minister’s office.

“Her death is an irreparable loss to the society and the government. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while paying a humble tribute, expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family,” read another tweet from the CM’s office.

Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who is being treated for Covid-19 in a hospital, tweeted his condolence message for the minister.

“Sad news of untimely demise of cabinet minister Kamal Rani ji in Uttar Pradesh government. I pray to God for the peace of the departed soul and the strength of the family to bear this profound sorrow,” tweeted Chouhan.