PM, political leaders condole Verma's death

New Delhi, June 30 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, President A P J Abdul Kalam and Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat condoled the death of former Delhi Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Saheb Singh Verma in a road accident in Rajasthan today. In a letter to his wife, Ms Sahib Kaur, Dr Singh said, ''I was deeply grieved to learn of the sad and untimely demise of Shri Saheb Singh Verma.'' President Kalam said he was saddened by the death of the late leader who had ''served with distinction in various important assignments''.

Mr Shekhawat said Saheb Singh had left behind an indelible mark as a leader of the masses who was devoted to public service and contributed significantly towards the development of both the national capital and the nation.

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and leaders of the BJP, and other parties also condoled Saheb Singh's death. Expressing grief, Mr Vajpayee said the incident had not just hurt the BJP, but national politics. ''Saheb Singh was representing the rural masses and his death has taken away this voice,'' he said.

Senior BJP leader L K Advani also expressed deep shock and sorrow and said in his death, the unorganised labour force in the country had lost one of their biggest champions.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit expressed shock and disbelief over the incident.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Governor Balram Jakhar and Speaker Ishwardas Rohani also mourned the late leader's death. Mr Chouhan described the incident as ''an irreparable loss for the party''.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Madan Lal Khurana, describing the death as a personal loss to him, said Saheb Singh dedication towards the service of the people, particularly those of Delhi, would remain alive in the hearts of the people.

Madhya Pradesh BJP President Narendra Singh Tomar and state BJP organisational general secretary Makhan Singh Chouhan also condoled his death.

Many others, including Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, Haryana Governor A R Kidwai, Information and Broadcating Minister P R Dasmunshi, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, former Central Minister Anil Narendra and BJP's Rajasthan party president Mahesh Chand Sharma also condoled Saheb Singh's death and expressed their heartfelt sympathies for the bereaved family members.

UNI