Kanpur, November 28, 2025 - Former Union Coal Minister and veteran Congress leader Sriprakash Jaiswal passed away today at the age of 81. Jaiswal, a prominent political figure in Uttar Pradesh, breathed his last after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Jaiswal had been unwell for a prolonged period, and his condition worsened today, prompting his family to rush him to Kanpur Cardiology Hospital. Doctors at the hospital declared him dead upon arrival.
Born on September 25, 1944, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Sriprakash Jaiswal's political journey began in 1989 when he was elected as the Mayor of Kanpur. He then successfully contested the Lok Sabha elections in 1999, representing the Kanpur constituency. Jaiswal secured re-election in 2004 and 2009, marking his strong influence in the region. However, he lost his seat in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
During his tenure in the Indian National Congress, Jaiswal held several important portfolios. He served as the Minister of State for Home Affairs from 2004 to 2009. Later, he was elevated to Minister of State (Independent Charge), managing both Coal and Statistics and Programme Implementation from 2009 to 2011. In 2011, he became the Union Cabinet Minister for Coal, a position he held until 2014.
Jaiswal's political career was not without its challenges. He faced criticism during the Indian coal allocation scam that surfaced in 2012, although he was not the Coal Minister at the time the alleged crime occurred. He defended the coal allocation process and disputed the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report.
Beyond domestic politics, Jaiswal also engaged in international matters. In 2009, amidst attacks on Indian students in Australia, he visited Melbourne to assess the situation and interact with the affected students.
Sriprakash Jaiswal is survived by his wife, Maya Rani, whom he married in 1967, and their two sons and one daughter. His contributions to Indian politics, particularly in the development of Kanpur and in the energy sector, will be remembered.
Political representatives in Kanpur have announced a joint condolence meeting to honor the life and service of the former Union Minister.
