The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : House pays tribute to V.P. Singh

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Saturday, Nov 29, 2008
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Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

House pays tribute to V.P. Singh

Special Correspondent

Contributions to State hailed

He did not leave nation to communal forces: VS
Chandy says he fought for the downtrodden

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Assembly on Friday paid homage to the former Prime Minister Viswanath Pratap Singh who passed away in Delhi on Thursday.

Speaker K. Radhakrishnan in his obituary reference said that Singh was an epitome of democratic secularism. He was a leader who took up serious issues as a public man. The Mandal Commission recommendations were implemented during his tenure. Singh held democratic values close to his heart and valued them much above power and position, he said.

Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan said that Singh, who entered public life through student politics, was a powerful leader who relentlessly fought against corruption and communalism. When the BJP withdrew support to his government, he sacrificed power and did not leave the nation to the communal forces. Singh had made significant contributions to the State. Thiruvananthapuram airport was made an international airport during his tenure. Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy said that Singh was a leader who raised social justice in national politics. He fought for the cause of the downtrodden. Singh was a leader who practised what he preached.

Seven-day mourning

The State will observe seven days’ mourning till December 3 for the former Prime Minister. The tricolour will be flown at half mast and there will be no official celebrations during the period.

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