VP Singh changed the course of nation's politics:Deve Gowda

New Delhi, Nov 27 (UNI) Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda today expressed grief over the death of V P Singh, and recalled him as a leader who brought radical changes in the country's socio-political and economic scenario by his strident espousal of the cause of the backward communities.

''Though a Rajput himself, Singh earned the ire of the upper caste youth by deciding to implement the Mandal Commission recommendations which provided for job reservation for Other Backaward Classes. The decision cost him his job but changed the nation's socio-political scenario for ever,'' said the former prime minister in a statement here.

Mr Deve Gowda said Singh held various high positions in the country and left his mark in every department, and he earned the nickname of 'Mr Clean' for his efforts to investigate defence deals as the country's Defence Minister.

''Singh's contribution to India politics will be etched in golden letters. In his death, the nation and particularly the large 'Janata parivar' have lost a champion of the downtrodden and the underprivileged.'' he said.

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