Mumbai: Former chairman of the Bajaj Group Rahul Bajaj passed away in Pune on Saturday, a company official said. He was 83.

Bajaj was not keeping well for quite some time and passed away at around 1430 hours on Saturday, the official said. His last rites will be held on Sunday.

He is survived by two sons, Rajiv Bajaj and Sanjiv Bajaj, and a daughter Sunaina Kejriwal. He resigned from his position of non-executive director and chairman at Bajaj Auto on April 30 last year.

Bajaj was given the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, in 2001.

A statement from Bajaj Group read, as per Livemint, "It is with deep sorrow that I inform you about the passing away of Shri Rahul Bajaj, husband of the late Rupa Bajaj and father of Rajiv/Deepa, Sanjiv/Shefali and Sunaina/Manish. He passed away on the afternoon of 12th February, 2022 in the presence of his closest family members."

According to the report, Bajaj was suffering from pneumonia and heart ailments. He was admitted to the Ruby Hall Clinic a month ago.

He was a former member of the Rajya Sabha. He had also been the chairman of the International Business Council, World Economic Forum.

Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw wrote on Twitter, "I am devastated - he was a dear dear friend and will miss him dearly. The country has lost a great son & nation builder. Om Shanthi"

Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Twitter, "My heartfelt tributes to Rahul Bajaj ji, a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist and former chairman of Bajaj. I have had a personal relationship with Padma Bhushan awardee Rahul ji for many years."

Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi shared old memories with Bajaj, when he was a Rajya Sabha member, saying, "Together in RS, he & I shared many lighter moments in central hall & at dinner at his house during session. Talked 2him some months ago for 30mins"

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said on Twitter, "I have many fond memories of Rahul Bajaj spread over 40 years of friendship. He laid the foundations for the success of Bajaj Auto. He was fearless. One of the few businessmen who spoke out against the 2002 communal riots, and against the climate of fear & intimidation since 2014."

Union minister Prakash Javadekar expressed his condolences, saying, "Passing away of Sh. Rahul Bajaj is a great loss. He created a brand in two wheelers and worked effectively in #RajyaSabha. My homage to the departed soul. Om Shanti."

(With inputs from PTI)

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