Maharashtra political leaders condole Sathya Sai Baba's death

Union ministers Vilasrao Deshmukh and Sushil Kumar Shinde expressed grief over the death of spiritual leader Sri Sathya Sai Baba, who passed away this morning.

"It is a sad day for the entire world. It is hard to describe his deeds in words," Deshmukh said in a statement.

"We have lost a great pious personality. His contribution to social causes was immeasurable," the Union rural development minister added.

Union power minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said Sai Baba was a great source of strength for his devotees.

"His passing away is a tremendous loss for everyone. Organisations set up by him did a lot for providing free education, hospitals and other charitable works in India and abroad," he added.

Former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan, who has been an ardent devotee of the spiritual leader since the last 45-years, said Sathya Sai Baba's death was a "moment of grief" for him.

"He would continue to guide us and will always be a source of inspiration. His teachings will always be remembered. Baba worked selflessly for the mankind," he added.

Chavan, who had hosted Sai Baba during his tenure as chief minister at his official residence Varsha, said he always received advice and guidance from the latter, which helped him to carry on, whenever he faced ups and downs.

Chavan said he had last met the spiritual guru on November 23 last year. "He appeared weak. He held my hand," he added.

Condoling Sai Baba's death, state public works development minister Chhagan Bhujbal said the spiritual leader will always remain in everyone's heart through his preachings.