Chhattisgarh assembly pays tributes to S C Shukla

Raipur, Feb 19 (UNI) The Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha today paid tributes to former Chief Minister of undivided Madhya Pradesh Shyama Charan Shukla and former legislator Prem Singh Sidar, who died during the inter-session period.

After the customary Governor's address on the first day of the budget session, Speaker Prem Prskash Pandey made obituary references of former Chief Minister S C Shukla and former legislator Prem Singh Sidar.

Recalling the contributions made by Mr Shukla for the development during his three tenures as Chief Minister of undivided Madhya Pradesh, Mr Pandey said the Congress veteran stood tall among the politicians with his clean image. He also recalled the contribution of Mr Shukla towards development of irrigation facilities in Madhya Pradesh.

Paying tributes to the departed leader, Chief Minister Raman Singh said Mr Shukla had participated in the freedom movement and later he worked with full dedication for the state's development. Mr Shukla would be remembered for his contribution for building dams and developing irrigation facilities, he said, adding that the veteran leader was also the editor of Mahakaushal, the first Hindi daily of Chhattisgarh.

Leader of the Opposition Mahendra Karma said Mr Shukla's clean image in public life would become a source for inspiration.

His contribution towards enhancing irrigation facilities would always be remembered, he added.

Both the chief minister and the leader of the opposition also paid homage to Mr Prem Singh Sidar.

Ms Kamta Jhole (BSP), Mr Novil Kumar Verma (NCP), Mr Ramchandra Singhdeo, Mr Nandkumar Patel, Mr Dhanendra Sahu (all Congress) paid tributes to Mr Shukla and Mr Prem Singh Sidar.

Later, the house observed two minutes silence and adjourned for the day as a mark of respect to the departed leaders.

UNI