Badal condoles demise of Lajpat Rai

Chandigarh, Nov 30 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of BJP leader and former Member of Parliament Lajpat Rai who passed away this morning in Ludhiana after a prolonged illness.

In his condolence message, Mr Badal said that Mr Lajpat Rai was a seasoned politician who throughout his life championed the cause of the poor and the less privileged section of the society. He was a staunch patriot and believed in value-based politics. He was instrumental in strengthening the bonds of communal harmony, mutual tolerance and brotherhood. "His death has created a vacuum that would be difficult to be filled," said Mr Badal.

Mr Badal expressed his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to them to bear this loss.

Shiromani Akali Dal Working President Sukhbir Singh Badal, Information and Public Relations Minister Bikram Singh Majithia and Media Advisor to Chief Minster Harcharan Bains have also deeply mourned the demise of Mr Lajpat Rai.

UNI