The Hindu : National : Kalam, leaders pay tribute

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Sunday, Jul 01, 2007
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National

Kalam, leaders pay tribute

Ashok Kumar

NEW DELHI: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on Saturday said he was saddened to learn about the passing away of senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sahib Singh Verma who was killed in a road accident at Alwar, adding that he had closely known him when the latter was a Union Minister.

In a condolence message, the President said Mr. Verma served with distinction various important assignments in public life, including those in the State and Central Governments.

“I also admired him because of his interest in library science and because he had worked as a librarian for a long time,” he added.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the country had lost a prominent leader in the death of Mr. Verma.

“I had the privilege of knowing him for many years and working with him in Parliament.

"In his untimely and unfortunate passing away, the country and his constituents have lost a prominent leader. His absence will be deeply felt by his wide circle of friends, admirers and followers,” said Dr. Singh.

The former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, said the death had caused irreparable loss to national politics and not just the BJP.

“He was the voice of the poor and the deprived,” said Mr. Vajpayee.

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee also expressed deep shock and grief at the sudden demise of the BJP leader and conveyed his sympathies and heart felt condolences to the bereaved family members.

Several senior BJP leaders, party cadres and relatives thronged 5 Tughlak Lane, the residence of the former Union Labour Minister, as soon as news about his death spread.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and former BJP president, L.K. Advani remembered Mr. Verma’s contribution to the cause of the unorganised sector during his tenure as Union Labour Minister in the NDA Government.

Former Union Finance and External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha said it was difficult to believe that he was no longer with us.

“I will not be able to recover from this shock for a long time,” said Mr. Sinha.

Sushma Swaraj said: “When you lose a leader like him it is irreparable loss.”

Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha V.K. Malhotra, who was among the first few to reach his residence, said, “Sahib Singh enjoyed huge support among the poor and downtrodden. He was a grassroots leader.”

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