Cutting across the party lines, the who’s who of the Punjab, Haryana and Himachal politics on Monday mourned the sudden and tragic demise of Union Cabinet Minister Gopinath Munde.
The Governors, Chief Ministers, and other political leaders of three States condoled the untimely demise of 64-year-old BJP leader who died in a car accident on Tuesday in New Delhi.
As a mark of respect, the national flag in Punjab was flown at half mast. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal described Munde as a leader of masses, seasoned politician, an able parliamentarian and above all a social activist with rare qualities of head and heart, who served as Deputy Chief Minister in Maharashtra Government and remained deputy leader of BJP in the Parliament.
Deputy Chief Minister and SAD president, BJP’s one of the main ally, described Munde’s demise as “huge loss to the nation as well as NDA government”.
BJP’s State president Kamal Sharma described Munde as the grass root level, working with an untiring spirit for the betterment of common masses.
Punjab Cabinet Ministers, including Chunni lal Bhagat, Adaish Partap Singh Kairon, Bikram Singh Majithia among others too expressed deep grief over the unfortunate death of Union Minister.
Punjab’s former Chief Minister and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Capt Amarinder Singh expressed shock over Munde’s death, saying, “It is an irreparable loss not only to his family, but to others as well.”
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh also expressed grief over Munde’s demise, describing him a dynamic mass leader. Governor Urmila Singh said that Munde always worked for the common man throughout his life. Haryana Governor Jagananth Pahadia and Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda too expressed deep grief over the sad demise of the Union Minister.
Pahadia said that Munde was a great leader who always stood for the common man and led a simple life, while Hooda described him as a seasoned parliamentarian who would be long remembered for his distinguished public services.
Aadmi Party (AAP) also conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, which has lost its important member. AAP spokesperson said that road accidents are turning out to be biggest killers in the country and rash and negligent driving is a cause of serious concern particularly in the national capital region (NCR).
BJP’s old ally, Indian National lok Dal (INlD), too expressed deep grief over Munde’s sad demise. Abhay Chautala, son of INlD chief Om Prakash Chautala and MlA from Ellenabad, said that they have family relations with Munde family, and “it is not only a shock but also grief for us at a personal level”.
Haryana BJP president Ram Bilas Sharma, leader of house in Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Anil Vij and state spokesperson Vir Kumar Yadav, in their condolence messages, said that sudden death “is not only huge loss to BJP but also for the whole country.
All the leaders, sharing condolences with the members of the bereaved family, prayed to the Almighty to give courage to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of crisis and grant eternal peace to the departed soul.