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Leaders mourn Chandra Shekhar’s death

Special Correspondent

I am saddened, says Kalam; he was a fearless sentinel of democratic values: Shekhawat

. — Photo: Shanker Chakravarty

DEEPLY MOVED: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh pays homage to the former Prime Minister, Chandra Shekhar, in New Delhi on Sunday. The elder son of Mr. Shekhar, Pankaj, is at right

NEW DELHI: Leaders from across the political spectrum mourned the passing away of the former Prime Minister, Chandra Shekhar.

A “saddened” President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam described Mr. Chandra Shekhar a veteran Parliamentarian, secularist and a socialist known for his conviction to the principles he believed in. His services to the nation would always be remembered, Mr. Kalam said.

Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat said in the country had lost a “messiah of the poor, an embodiment of secularism and a fearless sentinel of democratic values and traditions.”

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who visited Mr. Chandra Shekhar in hospital on Saturday, said he was deeply moved by the courage with which the former Prime Minister fought his illness and soldiered on.

“Secular nationalist”

Describing the former socialist leader “a truly secular nationalist,” Dr. Singh said Mr. Chandra Shekhar, during his brief tenure as Prime Minister, steered the nation and the economy through stormy waters with statesmanship and wisdom.

The former Prime Minister and senior BJP leader, Atal Bihari Vajyapee, said with the passing away of “the young turk,” an era of struggle in Indian politics had ended and a vacuum created in public life. Congress president Sonia Gandhi said he was an important leader who had a distinct identity. He had many qualities but what stood out was his ability to express his views on every issue without hesitation and fear.

Describing him “secular,” Communist Party of India general secretary A.B. Bardhan said Mr. Chandra Shekharhe was extremely concerned at the adverse impact of globalisation during his last days.

The former President, R. Venkataraman, described him a “true patriot, who observed Gandhian ideals throughout his life.”

The former Prime Minister, V.P. Singh, said Mr. Chandra Shekhar used to pursue what he thought was right even if it was against the trend. In his death, socialist and democratic forces in the country had lost their tallest leader.

Describing him the “Bhishmapitamah” of Indian politics, the former Prime Minister, H.D. Deve Gowda, said Mr. Chandra Shekhar not only led the nation during a turbulent period but also served as a beacon for the people and politicians across the political spectrum, pointing out their mistakes.

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said in the passing away of Mr. Chandra Shekhar, the country had lost a leader who stood for upholding the finest values of parliamentary democracy.

“Visionary, reformer”

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman K. Rahman Khan said Mr. Chandra Sekhar was a “visionary, a reformer, a great scholar and statesman,” and one who had great interest in literature and art. Bharatiya Janata Party president Rajnath Singh said Mr. Chandra Shekhar was not just a former Prime Minister but also a towering personality, who enjoyed the respect of leaders across the political spectrum. National Democratic Alliance convener George Fernandes, said Mr. Chandra Shekhar was an outstanding socialist and a great Parliamentarian.

Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh said Mr. Chandra Shekhar epitomised the dictum of social life and high thinking through his personal example. Besides being a truly secular nationalist, he was deeply committed to the welfare of people. Home Minister Shivraj Patil said Mr. Chandra Shekhar was a friend of people, who received his help in times of need. Recalling his long association with the former Prime Minister, Mr. Patil said he was a warm-hearted human being.

Telugu Desam Parliamentary Party leader K. Yerran Naidu recalled the cross-country “padayatra” undertaken by Mr. Chandra Shekhar in the 1980s to highlight the problem of rural India.

An eight-time Member of Parliament, Mr. Chandra Shekhar represented the Samajwadi Janata Party from the Ballia Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh.

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