General Bipin Rawat dead: Leaders cutting across party lines pay tributes

Tributes pour in: General Bipin Rawat, India's first Chief of Defence Staff, and his wife died on Wednesday after an IAF chopper crashed in Tamil Nadu, killing 13 on board. The IAF had confirmed a little before 2 pm that an Mi-17 V5 helicopter with General Bipin Rawat on board had "met with an accident near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. Also read | Tamil Nadu: General Bipin Rawat among 13 dead in IAF chopper crash Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoled the demise of General Bipin Rawat. Taking to Twitter, Rajnath Singh said, "Deeply anguished by the sudden demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other Armed Forces personnel in an extremely unfortunate helicopter accident today in Tamil Nadu. His untimely death is an irreparable loss to our Armed Forces and the country."

Deeply anguished by the sudden demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other Armed Forces personnel in an extremely unfortunate helicopter accident today in Tamil Nadu. His untimely death is an irreparable loss to our Armed Forces and the country. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 8, 2021

President Ram Nath Kovind also took to Twitter to condole the death of General Rawat.

I am shocked and anguished over the untimely demise of Gen. Bipin Rawat and his wife, Madhulika ji. The nation has lost one of its bravest sons. His four decades of selfless service to the motherland was marked by exceptional gallantry and heroism. My condolences to his family.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 8, 2021

  Also read | From January, UAE to switch to 4.5 day workweek Prime Minister Narendra Modi described General Bipin Rawat as an outstanding soldier. A true patriot, he greatly contributed to modernising our armed forces and security apparatus. His insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional. His passing away has saddened me deeply. Om Shanti," he tweeted.

Gen Bipin Rawat was an outstanding soldier. A true patriot, he greatly contributed to modernising our armed forces and security apparatus. His insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional. His passing away has saddened me deeply. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/YOuQvFT7Et — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2021

Taking to Twitter, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said it is "a very sad day for the nation as we have lost our CDS General Bipin Rawat Ji in a very tragic accident". "He was one of the bravest soldiers, who has served the motherland with utmost devotion. His exemplary contributions and commitment cannot be put into words. I am deeply pained," Amit Shah tweeted.

A very sad day for the nation as we have lost our CDS, General Bipin Rawat Ji in a very tragic accident. He was one of the bravest soldiers, who has served the motherland with utmost devotion. His exemplary contributions & commitment cannot be put into words. I am deeply pained. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 8, 2021

Shah also expressed his deepest condolences on the sad demise of Madhulika Rawat (wife of CDS Bipin Rawat) and 11 other Armed Forces personnel". Tributes also poured in from other political leaders. Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain  Amarinder Singh said, "Grieved to know about the untimely demise of Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat ji in an unfortunate helicopter crash today. He served the country with great honour & dedication. My heartfelt condolences. RIP Folded hands (sic)." Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal also took to Twitter to express grief over the the loss of lives in the IAF chopper crash at Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.

Sincere condolences on the demise of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat along with his wife and staff in the tragic helicopter crash. My prayers for the departed souls. May Akal Purakh grant solace to the bereaved family members. "A soldier never dies he becomes eternal" #BipinRawat pic.twitter.com/k8gS4JATOs — Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) December 8, 2021

Haryana Chief Minister also mourned the death of General Rawat on Koo.

Koo App

तमिलनाडु में दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण हेलीकॉप्टर दुर्घटना में सीडीएस जनरल बिपिन रावत, उनकी पत्नी और अन्य सशस्त्र बलों के अधिकारियों के निधन से देश को राष्ट्रीय क्षति हुई है। उनके परिवारों के प्रति मेरी संवेदनाएं हैं। पूरा देश इस दुखद घड़ी में दिवंगत लोगों के परिजनों के साथ है।

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- Manohar Lal (@manoharlalbjp) 8 Dec 2021

Meanwhile, actor Sonu Sood also took to Twitter to express his condolences.

You will live forever sir ?? pic.twitter.com/l9RlpugUUB — sonu sood (@SonuSood) December 8, 2021

-PTC News