LS Speaker, leaders condole death of V P Singh

New Delhi, Nov 27 (UNI) Led by Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, a number of political leaders expressed deep sorrow at the death of former prime minister V P Singh today.

The speaker, in his condolence message, described Singh as one of the architects of social engineering in India.

Janata Dal (United) president Sharad Yadav also condoled his death and said Singh was the voice of social justice and a strong beliver in secularism.

With his death the country has lost a great leader and that space could never be filled up, he added.

Expressing deep grief, RJD Chief and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad described the leader a truly secular nationalist who was committed to people's welfare and national development. ''Throughout his life, Singh constantly strove for the betterment of poorest among poor,'' he added.

Former Information and Broadcasting Minister P Upendra said Singh had always upheld moral values in public life. He sacrificed his government and prime ministership for the sake of secularism, Mr Upendra added.

Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers party chairman prof Bhim Singh described Singh as a great human being who had depth and passions to absorb rare shocks and controversies during his period as Chief Minister, Finance Minister and then Prime Minister.

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