Noted author and senior BJP leader Mridula Sinha dies

New Delhi: Mridula Sinha, the first woman Governor of Goa and prolific author of more than 46 books, died on Wednesday—just days before her 78 th birthday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his condolence message said, "She was also a proficient writer, making extensive contributions to the world of literature as well as culture."

Born on November 27, 1942 in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar, Sinha rose through ranks of BJP  becoming the president of Mahila Morcha

Alongside being a senior BJP leader and wife of Ram Kripal Sinha, former Union minister, she would be equally remembered for her literary contributions.

Some of her novels include 'Jyon mehandi ko ranga', 'Nayi Devyani' and 'Gharwaas'.

She had penned the biography on late Rajmata Vijayraje Scindia, a co-founder of the BJP.

Among Sinha's story collections, 'Sakshatkar', 'Ek Diye Ki Diwalia', 'Apna Jeevan' are particularly special. But her domain of writing was vast, which even led her to write for children. 'Aine ke saamne', 'Maanvi ke Naate' are some of them.

A proud Bihari herself, one of her works for children was 'Bihar Ki Lok Kathaye'.

She had been associated with the BJP since the party's Jana Sangh days. Sinha also participated in Jai Prakash Narayan-led 'Samagra Kranti'.

Union WCD Minister who herself has been the BJP's women wing Chief, tweeted, "With the passing away of Mridula Sinha ji we have lost a prolific writer , a kind administrator and a guiding light for many of us who had the privilege of serving in BJP Mahila Morcha."

As Governor of Goa, she has seen many Chief Ministers change within a not-so-long span of time. Late Manohar Parrikar, Laxmikant Parsekar and Pramod Sawant, who is the current CM of Goa -- she had administered oaths to all of them as Chief Ministers of the state.

Sawant said, for her, the former Goa Governor has been a 'motherly figure'.

BJP President JP Nadda said he is 'pained' at the news.

IANS report with edits