Jaipur: Former Nagaur MP Bhanu Prakash Mirdha passed away Thursday at his residence in Jodhpur after a prolonged illness. He was a prominent political figure from Rajasthan and a key member of the influential Mirdha family, which played a significant role in the politics of Nagaur for decades.His last rites will be performed Friday at Mirdha Farm on Chaupasani Road in Jodhpur.Mirdha entered the Lok Sabha as a BJP MP after winning the Nagaur by-election held following the demise of his father, veteran Congress and farmer leader Nathuram Mirdha, during the 11th Lok Sabha. His victory marked a turning point in the region’s political history.A defining chapter of the Mirdha family’s political legacy unfolded in 1997, when the Nagaur parliamentary seat fell vacant after Nathuram Mirdha’s death. While the Congress nominated his brother and senior leader Ram Niwas Mirdha, Bhanu Prakash Mirdha chose to contest the by-poll on a BJP ticket. The high-profile contest turned into an ‘uncle versus nephew’ battle, drawing statewide attention. Bhanu Prakash Mirdha emerged victorious, signalling strong public support for a younger generation of leadership. His win significantly altered the political dynamics of the constituency.However, after being denied a party ticket in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, Mirdha contested the polls as an independent candidate on the aeroplane symbol.
