Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Opposition leader Siddaramaiah also condoled the death of the veteran leader
TUMAKURU — Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is leading Bharat Jodo Yatra in the state, on Monday condoled the death of Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav.
Rahul Gandhi took a break from the padayatra in Tumakuru and paid floral tribute to the portrait of the SP patriarch. He, along with other leaders, observed a two-minute silence in the honour of the departed leader.
Rajya Sabha member Digvijay Singh, Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, senior leader K.C. Venugopal, State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar and Opposition leader in the Legislative Council B.K. Hariprasad joined the former Congress president in paying tributes.
Recalling him as a born fighter, D. Shivakumar stated that Mulayam Singh Yadav believed in secular values and dedicated his life to the upliftment of oppressed classes. He came from a humble background and created his place in the national politics of India.
The respect he commanded from leaders of rival political parties is an indicator of his personality. His demise is a loss to the nation. He stood for socialistic values and let him rest in peace, Shivakumar maintained.
Meanwhile, former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Opposition leader in Karnataka also condoled the death of senior politician and SP supremo.
Deve Gowda said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing away of my longtime colleague and friend Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav. My condolences to his family and followers.”
He was deeply committed to secular, social political traditions. Will miss him very much,” he stated.
Bommai stated, “Saddened at the demise of Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party patriarch, three-time Chief Minister of UP and country’s ex-Defense Minister. A true son of soil, he was a leader of the masses. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.”
Bommai further said, “Mulayam Singh Yadav came to limelight under the guidance of leaders like Ram Manohar Lohiya, Raj Narayan. The country has lost a statesman.”
Opposition leader in Karnataka Siddaramaiah said, “Saddened to hear the passing away of former Uttar Pradesh chief miister and founder of Samajwadi Party Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav. He was one of the strong forces in our country’s fight against communal politics. My deepest condolences to all his family members and well-wishers.” — IANS
