Lok Sabha Speaker consoles Upendera Vajpeyi's demise

New Delhi, Feb 18 (UNI) Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee has expressed deep sorrow at the demise of veteran journalist and freedom fighter Upendra Vajpeyi.

In his condolence message, Mr Chatterjee said, ''I have lost a very good friend. Our association has been very long. He has covered Parliament with a deep sense of commitment and responsibility for nearly four decades.'' Being a freedom fighter himself, he was always alert to the need to consolidate the hard earned freedom and to strengthen the parliamentary democracy, he said.

Vajpeyi, through his writings, had done a great service to the nation by communicating Parliament to the people with utmost sincerity and dedication to the democratic principles. The leadership he had provided to the various associations/unions of journalists, including the DUJ, will be remembered for long, Mr Chatterjee further added.

On his behalf, a wreath was placed on the mortal remains of Upendra Vajpeyi.

UNI BKS SP KN1616