'Shekhawat was a popular leader with his roots in the village'

Former Union minister Natwar Singh today condoled the death of Bhairon Singh Shekhawat saying he was a popular leader with his roots in the village.

Singh, who knew the former vice-president for the past 30 years, said he was an eminent and distinguished figure who rendered services of the highest quality.

"In every sense, he was a popular leader with his roots in the village. One of the noticeable things about him is his accessibility. You could meet him any time. He never sent away anybody without meeting him," Singh said.

The former external affairs minister noted that Shekhawat performed "extremely well" as vice-president and chairman of Rajya Sabha.

"He stood for President's election but lost. In spite of his defeat, his stature did not come down," he said.

"I come from Rajasthan. I have known him for 30 years. When he became the vice-president and Rajya Sabha chairman, I got to know a great deal of him. People of Rajasthan and India will remember him for long," Singh said expressing sympathies with the bereaved family.