The Law Minister in the caretaker Gujarat government and Bharatiya Janata Party candidate from Surat (West) for the December 12 assembly election, Hemant Chapatwala, died on Monday following a prolonged illness. He is survived by wife, two sons and a daughter.

Chapatwala, 59, despite suffering from a kidney problem, had undertaken a hectic campaigning schedule.

An income tax practitioner, Chapatwala was first elected to the Gujarat assembly in 1990.

Governor Sunder Singh Bhandari expressed profound grief over Chapatwala's death. In a condolence message, he said, "Chapatwala's noteworthy constributions in the field of social service, justice and education will be long remembered."

Following his death, polling in Surat (West) was countermanded. The district returning officer, in a release, said the new date for the election will be announced later.

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