Hamid expresses deep grief over VP Singh's death

New Delhi, Nov 27 (UNI) Vice President Hamid Ansari today expressed deep grief over the death of former prime minister VP Singh, and said in his death, the country has lost an eminent parliamentarian and a prominent public personality and a champion of the downtrodden.

In a statement here, Mr Ansari said the late leader had served the country and the people with distinction as prime minister, chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and as Minister in the Union Cabinet for a long time.

''A steadfast champion of social justice, poor and the downtrodden, Singh was respected for his selfless service to the people. He made his mark by initiating various path-breaking public policies for the welfare of the people. His simple nature, commitment to the ideals of democracy and value based politics and his belief in patriotism had always impressed everyone,'' he said.

The Vice President said he carved a niche for himself as an honest and dedicated parliamentarian and a competent administrator who always kept the interests of the country ahead of everything.

''My wife joins me in sending our heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and the wide circle of his admirers and friends and pray the Almighty to grant them the strength to withstand this loss,'' he said.

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