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BJP MLA Anil Sharma passes away in Delhi after cancer battle

Published by YuToday Staff

0 views · 2 hours ago · 4:13 read · September 2, 2026

Former Uttar Pradesh minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Anil Sharma passed away on Wednesday afternoon at BL Kapoor Hospital in Delhi. Sharma, who represented the Shikarpur assembly seat in Bulandshahr district, succumbed to cancer after a prolonged illness. He was 68 years old.

Key takeaways

Anil Sharma, former Uttar Pradesh minister and BJP MLA, passed away on Wednesday at BL Kapoor Hospital in Delhi after battling cancer.
Sharma represented the Shikarpur assembly seat in Bulandshahr district and served as a state minister under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
His death has created a vacancy in the Shikarpur constituency, necessitating a by-election that will test the BJP's organizational strength.
Sharma's legacy in western Uttar Pradesh and his contributions to the BJP's growth in the region will be remembered.

Who was Anil Sharma?

Anil Sharma was a two-time MLA from the Shikarpur assembly constituency in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district. He first entered the legislative assembly in 2012 and was re-elected in 2017. Sharma served as a state minister in the Yogi Adityanath-led government, holding portfolios related to technical education and skill development. Known for his grassroots connect, he was a key figure in the BJP's organizational structure in western Uttar Pradesh. Sharma's political career spanned over a decade, during which he played a crucial role in expanding the party's footprint in the region.

Political career and contributions

Sharma's political journey began with his association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in his early years. He joined the BJP and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a prominent leader in western Uttar Pradesh. As a minister, Sharma focused on promoting technical education and skill development, initiatives aimed at empowering youth in the state. His tenure saw the establishment of several polytechnics and industrial training institutes in Bulandshahr and surrounding areas. Colleagues remember him as a dedicated worker who prioritized local issues and community welfare over political grandstanding.

Battle with cancer and final days

Sharma was diagnosed with cancer several months ago, though the exact type of cancer remains unconfirmed. He underwent treatment in Delhi, where he was admitted to BL Kapoor Hospital. Despite his illness, Sharma remained active in political circles until his condition deteriorated in recent weeks. His family, including his wife and two children, were by his side during his final days. Sharma's passing has left a void in the BJP's ranks in western Uttar Pradesh, where he was considered a mentor to younger leaders.

Reactions from political spectrum

The news of Sharma's demise has drawn condolences from across the political spectrum. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the loss of a dedicated leader and announced that the state government would cover his funeral expenses. BJP national president J.P. Nadda also paid tribute, highlighting Sharma's contributions to the party and the state. Opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, offered condolences, acknowledging Sharma's role in shaping Uttar Pradesh's political landscape. Tributes poured in from colleagues, party workers, and residents of Bulandshahr, who remembered him for his accessibility and commitment to public service.

Impact on Shikarpur assembly seat

Sharma's passing has created a vacancy in the Shikarpur assembly seat, which will necessitate a by-election. The BJP is expected to field a strong candidate to retain the seat, given its significance in the party's electoral strategy for western Uttar Pradesh. Local party workers are already mobilizing in preparation for the by-election, while opposition parties are assessing their options. Sharma's legacy in the constituency is likely to influence the campaign, with many voters recalling his hands-on approach to addressing local grievances. The by-election will also serve as a test of the BJP's organizational strength in the region.

Legacy and future of BJP in western Uttar Pradesh

Anil Sharma's death marks the end of an era for the BJP in western Uttar Pradesh, where he was one of the party's most recognizable faces. His passing comes at a time when the BJP is preparing for several key elections, including the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls. Sharma's organizational skills and grassroots connect were instrumental in the party's growth in the region, and his absence will be keenly felt. The BJP will now look to groom younger leaders to fill the void left by Sharma, while also ensuring that his legacy of public service continues to inspire future generations of politicians.

What happens next

The BJP will now focus on preparing for the by-election in the Shikarpur assembly seat, which will serve as a test of the party's organizational strength in western Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, Sharma's family and party colleagues will pay their last respects, and tributes will continue to pour in from across the political spectrum. The party will also look to honor Sharma's legacy by continuing his work in the region.