Political leaders condole Verma's death

New Delhi, June 30 (UNI) Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and leaders of BJP, Congress and other parties have condoled the death of former Delhi Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Saheb Singh Verma.

Expressing grief over his death, Mr Vajpayee said the incident had not just hurt the BJP but national politics.

''Verma was representing the rural masses and his death has taken away this voice,'' he said.

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

''I am moved. Having known him for long, I consider it a personal loss. Whether in power or not, he was a tireless man. Always full of zeal, his contribution to Delhi was far too much to speak. May his soul rest in peace,'' she said.

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

''My association with him began in 1977 when both of us were in jail during the Emergency. We were friends and often used to meet each other even now,'' Mr Khurana said, conveying his heart-felt condolence to the bereaved family.

Senior BJP leader Vijay Goel expressed disbelief over the accident.

He said Verma's death was more of a personal loss to him.

''I have known him since college days in 70s. He was an elder brother to me, always ready to help me through thick and thin,'' said Mr Goel.

He set an example for others by single-handedly rehabilitating Bhuj district, flattened in Gujrat earthquake.

''An ordinary man endowed with extraordinary qualities,'' was how Mr Goel described Verma.

He rose from a farmer's son to the top echelons of a national party. First and foremost, he was easily accessible to each and everyone, according to the BJP leader. His death was an irreparable loss to the country, said Mr Goel.

Delhi BJP president Harshwardhan said Saheb Singh Verma worked round the clock for the welfare of the people. He remained true to his humble beginnings. Always down to earth he could easily identify himself with a common man. His contribution to political culture of Delhi BJP was immense, he added offering condolences.

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 Verma's death.

Verma died in a road accident at Alwar at 1430 hrs today. A senior BJP leader, 64-year-old Verma was the Chief Minister of Delhi from 1995-1998. He also worked as Union Labour Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

UNI