Veteran Congress leader Swami Purnanand passes away

Mandi, Nov 18 (UNI) Veteran Congress leader and freedom fighter Swami Purnanad, 97, passed away here last evening, family and official sources today said.

Purnanad was close to father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and the country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, they said.

The source said he was also the All India Congress Committee (AICC) member from the state and HP Congress Committee President.

State Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has expressed grief and sorrow over the veteran Congress' leaders death, saying he was a staunch Gandhinian and the guiding spirit behind Praja Mandal movement in Himachal.

His contribution during the freedom movement and in strengthening the party would be remembered by the people of the state, he added.

UNI AS JN SY MIR RAI1902