CM Yogi Pays Tribute To Deoria Ex-MP Lt Gen Shriprakash Mani Tripathi
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath rushed from Lucknow to the native village of Barpar in the Deoria district to pay his final respects to former Lok Sabha MP and retired Lieutenant General Shriprakash Mani Tripathi. The veteran leader and distinguished military general passed away at a hospital in New Delhi after a prolonged illness. His demise has triggered an immense wave of grief across the Purvanchal region. As a towering personality who seamlessly transitioned from elite defense service to impactful parliamentary representation—and whose son, Shashank Mani Tripathi, currently serves as the sitting MP from Deoria—his passing marks the end of an illustrious chapter in regional public life.
A Distinguished Military Career and Transition to Public Service
Born on October 13, 1934, Shriprakash Mani Tripathi pursued higher education in defense studies, earning an MSc before embarking on a remarkable military journey. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Indian Army in June 1955, he dedicated decades of his life to defending the nation. After serving across sensitive operational zones, including Jammu and Kashmir, he joined the 63 Cavalry and later distinguished himself as a squadron commander during critical operations in Nagaland. Rising through the ranks with absolute discipline, operational brilliance, and unblemished integrity, he ultimately retired from active service as a Lieutenant General, earning widespread respect within defense circles.
Political Legacy: Deoria's First BJP MP and Parliamentary Success
Following his retirement from the armed forces, Shriprakash Mani Tripathi transitioned into public service, bringing his characteristic discipline and administrative acumen to national politics. Aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he emerged as a powerful grassroots leader in eastern Uttar Pradesh. He achieved a historic milestone by winning the Deoria Lok Sabha parliamentary constituency in the 1996 general elections, subsequently securing a resounding consecutive victory in 1999. Holding the distinction of being among the earliest leaders to establish a formidable BJP presence in the region, he focused heavily on developmental initiatives, rural infrastructure, and public welfare throughout his tenure in Parliament.
CM Yogi Adityanath's Emotional Visit and State Honors
Upon receiving the news of his passing, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow, describing his demise as an irreparable loss to both the state and the nation. Demonstrating deep personal and political regard, CM Yogi traveled directly from Lucknow to Deoria's Barpar village to offer personal condolences to the bereaved family. Laying a floral wreath and draping the mortal remains in the party flag, the Chief Minister spent considerable time interacting with family members, including the grieving wife Shashi Mani and current Deoria MP Shashank Mani Tripathi, offering strength during their hour of profound grief. State honors, including a solemn gun salute and floral tributes by senior district civil and police administration officials, preceded his final rites performed on the banks of the Saryu River.
Continuing the Family Dynasty: Shashank Mani Tripathi's Leadership
The political and social legacy built by the late Lieutenant General continues to thrive through his family. His elder son, Shashank Mani Tripathi, successfully stepped into public life and currently represents the Deoria parliamentary constituency as its sitting Lok Sabha MP, carrying forward his father's vision of dedicated public service and regional development. Local leaders, social workers, and citizens across political lines have flooded the family estate with condolence messages, remembering the late leader as a strict disciplinarian, a compassionate public representative, and a true patriot who dedicated every breath of his life to the service of Bharat Mata.
