New Delhi: Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Girija Vyas, 79, has passed away at a hospital in Ahmedabad, family sources confirmed. According to reports, Vyas recently suffered severe burns in a fire while performing the aarti at her home in Udaipur.

Vyas's brother Gopal Sharma said that she succumbed to burn injuries at the Ahmedabad hospital on Thursday evening.

The Congress leader was performing aarti during which her dupatta caught fire from a burning lamp and suffered critical burn injuries. She was rushed to a private hospital in Udaipur where she was referred to Ahmedabad.

Her funeral will be conducted in Udaipur on Friday, Sharma said.

Girija Vyas, a seasoned Congress party leader, has held prominent roles in both state and central governments. She has served as the state president of Congress in Rajasthan and chaired the National Women's Commission. Throughout her political career, Vyas has held several key positions within Congress.

In 1991, she made her way to Parliament by securing a victory from the Udaipur Lok Sabha constituency.

She also served as a union minister for the government led by Narasimha Rao. Girija Vyas was a member of the 15th Lok Sabha from Rajasthan's Chittorgarh constituency.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday mourned the demise of former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Girija Vyas.

In a post on X, Gehlot asserted that Vyas had made a great contribution to education, politics, and social service.

"The demise of former Union Minister and former Congress State President Dr Girija Vyas is an irreparable loss for all of us. Dr Girija Vyas has made a great contribution to the field of education, politics, and social service. His untimely demise in such an accident is a big shock for all of us. I pray to God to grant his soul a place at his feet," Ashok Gehlot said.

Congress leader Pawan Khera also posted on X and expressed condolences for the demise of a former senior Congress leader.

"Shocked at the news of the sad demise of Congress leader @DrGirijaVyas. I have fond memories of working in her elections as a young Congress activist. Her poetry and her politics will always be remembered for their old-world charm. Travel well Girija ji," Khera said.

Assam Congress called Vyas "a champion of women's rights, and a voice of wisdom".

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Girija Vyas, a stalwart of the Congress Party, a champion of women's rights, and a voice of wisdom. Assam Congress offers heartfelt condolences. May her soul rest in peace," the Assam Congress posted on X.

(With inputs from ANI, PTI)