V P Singh was a great patriot, nation-builder: PM

New Delhi, Nov 27 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today condoled the death of former premier V P Singh, describing him as a great patriot and nation-builder whose empathy for the weaker sections would always be etched in the national consciousness.

''As chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and later as finance minister and prime minister of India, he consistently strove to translate his convictions into public policy,'' Dr Singh said in a message.

''Even after being afflicted with a debilitating disease, he continued to be at the forefront of the struggle for social justice.

''A grateful nation would always cherish the memory of this great son of India,'' Dr Singh said and added that he was deeply saddened to learn about the death.

UNI YJ PK1825