Former Indian VP Bhairon Singh Shekhawat passes away

File photo shows former Indian Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (3rd R) and other officials arrive at parliament on the first day of the budget session in New Delhi February 16, 2006. (Xinhua/Reuters File Photo)

Former Indian Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat Saturday passed away after three days of illness. He was 87.

"Shekhawat died at 11:10 a.m. at the Swai Man Singh Hospital," Dr. Narpat Singh, Superintendent of the hospital, told the media in the western Indian state of Rajasthan's capital Jaipur.

Shekhawat was admitted to the hospital earlier this week, after he complained of uneasiness and trouble in breathing. The 11th Vice President of India was put on life support early on Saturday.

Bhairon Singh Shekhawat served as vice president from August 2002, when he was elected to a five-year term by the electoral college following the death of Krishan Kant, until he resigned on July 21, 2007, after losing the presidential election to Pratibha Patil.

Shekhawat was a member of the Bharatiya Janat Party at the time of election. He served as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan three times, from 1977 to 1980, 1990 to 1992, and 1993 to 1998.

Source: Xinhua