Kerala leaders condole Chandra Shekhar's death

Thiruvananthapuram, July 8 (UNI) Kerala Governor R L Bhatia, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan and other leaders today condoled the demise of former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar, who died in New Delhi this morning.

In his condolence message here, Mr Bhatia said, Chandra Shekhar was an illustrious freedom fighter and a committed leader of the highest order, who upheld lofty principles in life.

Mr Achuthanandan said, Chandra shekhar's bold stand against the emergency regime and his efforts to restore democracy and civil rights would be remembered for ever.

Chandra Shekhar would be better known as a frontline soldier in the struggle to save the country from autocratic rule, rather than as a former Prime Minister, he added.

The Chief Minister also cancelled all his official programmes scheduled for the day as a mark of respect to the departed leader.

State Assembly Speaker K Radhakrishnan, condoling the death, said Chandra Shekhar would be remembered as "a true socialist".

Janata Dal (S) leader M P Veerendrakumar in his condolence message said Chandra Shekhar was a symbol of principled politics and known for his courage and conviction.

Leaders of other political parties also condoled the Former Prime Minister's death.

UNI