Hooda condoles demise of Chandra Shekhar

New Delhi, July 8 (UNI) Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has expressed shock and profound grief on the sad demise of former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar.

The Chief Minister who, along with Governor Dr A R Kidwai was scheduled to attend a function of Bhagat Phool Singh Women University at Khanpur Kalan in Sonipat district today, cancelled his programme on hearing the news.

In his condolence message Mr Hooda described Mr Chandra Shekhar as a ''man of the masses'' and a seasoned parliamentarian, who served the nation during eight terms in Parliament.

Mr Hooda also recalled that Mr Chander Shekhar had also undertaken 4260 km long padyatra in 1983 from Kanyakumari to Rajghat in New Delhi to establish rapport with masses and understand their problems.

''Mr Chandra Shekhar was also a true secular nationalist and he would be long remembered for his qualities of head and heart as he always raised his voice to ensure justice and socio-economic uplift of masses. He had literary and scientific talent and was also founder Editor and Chairman of Editorial Advisory Board of ''Young Indian''.'' Mr Hooda conveyed his heartfelt sympathies tothe members of the bereaved family and prayed that the departed soul rested in peace.

UNI