Introduction
Rameshwar Lal Dudi, a veteran Rajasthan Congress leader and former Leader of the Opposition in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, passed away late Saturday night in Bikaner at the age of 62. Dudi’s demise has deeply affected not only the Congress party but also farmers, Dalits, and backward communities throughout Rajasthan. His native village Biramsar in Bikaner, along with the towns of Nokha and Dungargarh, fell into a solemn silence as news of his passing spread.
Health Struggles and Final Days
Rameshwar Dudi had been in a coma for the past two years following a severe brain hemorrhage. Initially admitted to Nokha Medical College in Bikaner, his condition worsened in 2023, leading to critical care at SMS Hospital in Jaipur. Due to the severity, he was airlifted to Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon, where senior doctors treated him. Despite efforts, Dudi’s health failed to improve, and he was brought back to Bikaner where he remained comatose. Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasara visited him as recently as September 28, hoping for his recovery, but Dudi passed away quietly on Saturday night.
Political Journey: From Student Leader to Parliamentarian
Born on July 1, 1963, in a modest farming family of Biramsar village, Nokha tehsil, Bikaner district, Rameshwar Dudi rose from grassroots politics to become a respected leader. A prominent figure in the Jat community and businessman in hotel and mining sectors, Dudi began his political career through the National Students Union of India (NSUI). His early activism in student movements laid the foundation for his political ascent. In 1995, he became the head of the Nokha Panchayat Samiti, marking his entry into the Panchayati Raj system.
Dudi’s political prominence grew when he won the Lok Sabha seat from Bikaner in 2004, representing the constituency in Parliament. Though he lost the 2009 parliamentary election, he bounced back by winning the 2013 Rajasthan assembly elections from Nokha. During this tenure, he served as the Leader of the Opposition against then Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje’s government.
The Legacy of ‘Dudi Bhaiya’
Known for his resolute and outspoken nature, especially regarding farmer issues, Dudi earned the affectionate title “Dudi Bhaiya.” He twice served as the Bikaner District Congress Chief and was chairman of the Agro Industries Development Board. Although he lost the 2018 assembly election from Nokha, he remained an influential figure in the Congress party.
Dudi was a staunch advocate for farmers, laborers, Dalits, and backward classes, emphasizing irrigation, agricultural reforms, and rural development. While his relationship with former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot saw moments of tension—particularly during the 2022 Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) election dispute—their commitment to party unity remained intact.
Expressions of Grief from Leadership
The news of Dudi’s passing was met with profound sorrow across Rajasthan’s political sphere. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma described him as a “strong pillar of Rajasthan politics,” praising his enduring contributions. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot called him the “messiah of farmers,” highlighting his lifelong dedication to agricultural causes and social justice. Congress State President Govind Singh Dotasara remembered Dudi as not just a leader, but a warrior who fought tirelessly for social equality.
Final Rites and Public Mourning
Rameshwar Dudi’s last rites were scheduled to be held in his ancestral village of Biramsar. Thousands of supporters gathered in Bikaner, Nokha, and Dungargarh to pay their respects. Farmer organizations also announced condolence meetings in his honor. His family, including his wife, two sons, and daughter, mourn this irreplaceable loss.
Impact on the Farming Community
Dudi’s death has sent ripples of grief through Rajasthan’s farming community. Known for his frontline activism and genuine understanding of farmers’ struggles, many leaders expressed concern over the future of farmer advocacy in his absence. A prominent farmer leader from Nokha stated, “Dudi sahib truly understood our pain. Without his leadership, the farmers’ movement will face challenges.” His demise coincides with a period of heavy rains and flooding in Rajasthan, compounding the hardships faced by farmers. Politically, his passing is a significant setback for the Rajasthan Congress, especially regarding the influential Jat vote bank.
