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Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and veteran BJP leader Shri B. C. Khanduri passed away in Dehradun on 19 May 2026 at the age of 91. His death marked the end of an era in Uttarakhand politics, where he was widely respected for his integrity, discipline and commitment to development.
Born on 1 October 1934 in Dehradun, Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri began his career in the Indian Army and rose to the rank of Major General before entering politics. He represented the Garhwal constituency multiple times in the Lok Sabha and also served as Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways in the Vajpayee government. In 2007, Khanduri became the first elected BJP Chief Minister of Uttarakhand after the party secured victory in the Assembly elections. He later served a second term as Chief Minister from 2011 to 2012.
Leaders across the political parties expressed their condolence on his demise. Hon’ble President Smt. Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also expressed grief and remembered his contribution to the nation and public life.
Expressing his condolence the BJP National President Shri Nitin Nabin said on a post on X “The news of the demise of BJP’s senior leader and former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Major General Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri (Retd.) Ji, is extremely heartbreaking.
He dedicated his entire life to the service of the nation and the highest ideals of good governance. His contribution to Uttarakhand’s journey of development and his role as Minister of Road Transport and Highways in the Central Government will always remain memorable. I pray to God that He grants the departed soul a place at His sacred feet and provides strength to the bereaved family during this difficult time. Om Shanti.”
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami described his demise as an “irreparable loss” for both the state and national politics.