'In Bhagatji's passing away, the country has lost a freedom fighter, a great patriot, and a veteran politician who was deeply committed to the cause of his people.' Singh said.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, vice-president Hamid Ansari and Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar today condoled the death of freedom fighter and former speaker Bali Ram Bhagat who passed away at a hospital in New Delhi early Sunday morning.
"In Bhagatji's passing away, the country has lost a freedom fighter, a great patriot, and a veteran politician who was deeply committed to the cause of his people... Bhagatji brought distinction to the diverse positions he held as a public servant," Singh said in his condolence message to Bhagat's son Naveen.
Reminiscing his long association with Bhagat, Singh said, "I have lost a very close friend and a valued colleague in his sad demise. His commitment to the welfare of his people and his achievements in diverse areas of public service will continue to serve as an inspiration to all of us."
In his message, Ansari said he was "deeply aggrieved" to learn about Bhagat's death and described him as a "veteran freedom fighter, eminent parliamentarian and former speaker of the Lok Sabha who was also a former Union minister and governor".
"During his long years in public life, he had worked for the uplift of the poor and the downtrodden and earned respect and admiration of the people for his dedication and honesty. His services to the country shall always be remembered," Ansari said.
Meira Kumar stated that as speaker, Bhagat had left his indelible impression on the proceedings of the House and upheld its prestige and dignity.
"I am deeply pained to learn about the sad demise of Bali Ram Bhagat. Shri Bhagat was one of those visionary leaders of Independent India who guided the destiny of the nation during its early years and subsequently through its journey as a vibrant democracy," she said.
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