Nation has lost a visionary leader: Prez Kovind, PM Modi, top leaders pay tributes to Ram Vilas Paswan

Nation has lost a visionary leader: Prez Kovind, PM Modi, top leaders pay tributes to Ram Vilas Paswan

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A pall of gloom descended across the country following the demise of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Thursday.

Many leaders expressed grief over the demise of the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. The 74-year-old senior Dalit leader from Bihar died in a Delhi hospital on Thursday evening after being unwell for a few weeks.

President Ram Nath Kovind said, “In the demise of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, the nation has lost a visionary leader. He was among the most active and longest-serving members of parliament. He was the voice of the oppressed, and championed the cause of the marginalized. A firebrand socialist in youth, mentored by the likes of Jayaprakash Narayan during anti-Emergency movement, Paswan ji had enviable rapport with masses and he ardently strove for their welfare. Condolences to his family and supporters.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “I am saddened beyond words. There is a void in our nation that will perhaps never be filled. Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji’s demise is a personal loss. I have lost a friend, valued colleague and someone who was extremely passionate to ensure every poor person leads a life of dignity… Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji rose in politics through hardwork and determination. As a young leader, he resisted tyranny and the assault on our democracy during the Emergency. He was an outstanding Parliamentarian and Minister, making lasting contributions in several policy areas… Working together, shoulder to shoulder with Paswan Ji has been an incredible experience. His interventions during Cabinet Meetings were insightful. From political wisdom, statesmanship to governance issues, he was brilliant. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.”

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said he is “deeply anguished by the demise of the Union Minister”. “Deeply anguished by the demise of Union Minister, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji. He was an exemplary leader who served the people and nation till his last breath. He was a distinguished parliamentarian and always strove for the empowerment of the marginalised,” posted the Vice President Secretariat.

Home Minister Amit Shah said, “His absence in Indian politics and Union Cabinet will always remain. Modi government will be committed to fulfill his dream of welfare of poor and development of Bihar. My condolences to his family and supporters and I pray for the peace of the departed soul…”

Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, condoled the demise of the Union minister.

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar also remembered the leader on Twitter.

Bihar Leader of Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, remembered the senior leader on Twitter.

Former Bihar chief inister and RJD leader, Rabri Devi, too tweeted.

Rajasthan MLA Sachin Pilot wrote, “I am extremely saddened to learn about the demise of political stalwart Shri Ram Vilas Paswan ji. His contribution towards the upliftment of the downtrodden will always be remembered. May his soul find eternal peace. My condolences to his family and followers. Om Shanti.”

Janata Dal (Secular) president HD Devegowda tweeted, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of Union Minister and 8-term MP Shri. Ram Vilas Paswan ji. He was very dear to me and had worked as the Railways Minister in my cabinet. Losing a very senior leader like him is a great loss for our country… May God give his family and well-wishers the strength to bear this pain.”

DK Shivakumar wrote, “Deeply saddened to hear about the unfortunate demise of Union Minister Shri. Ram Vilas Paswan. Heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and followers in this time of grief.”

INC’s national spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi tweeted, “Remember fondly my #Chairmanship of Parl Standing Comm 2011-12 with stalwarts like #Paswan, #Lalloo ji and #Jethamalani as members. #Paswanji and I had differences on some issues but I remember how he listened carefully and frequently deferred to me after I explained. #OmShanti.”

Condoling the demise of Ram Vilas Paswan, Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav said that “he was a tall personality of Indian politics — sharp orator, popular leader, able administrator, strong organiser with affable personality”. He said that it is a personal loss to him.

JKNC vice president Omar Abdullah said, “Sorry to hear about the sudden demise of Ram Vilas Paswan Sb. He was a leader with a strong grassroots base & well honed political instincts. My father & I send our condolences to @iChiragPaswan and the rest of his family.”

East Delhi BJP MP Gautam Gambhir tweeted, “Saddened to hear about the demise of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan ji. A people’s leader, he has left an indelible mark on Indian politics. Condolences to his family & loved ones!”

Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi wrote, “Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji was one of the giants of Indian politics. In his journey as leader in the social justice movement, he touched many lives. As a Minister, he understood the concerns of the poor and the needy. May his soul rest in peace.”

Breaking the news, his son and LJP leader, Chirag Paswan, tweeted on Thursday evening, “Papa is no more in this world, but I know wherever you are, you are always with me. Miss you Papa.”





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