Leaders of the BJP and Congress among others expressed grief at the passing away of cabinet minister Prakash Pant on Wednesday. Mouring the demise, the BJP state president Ajay Bhatt said that Pant’s demise was an irreparable loss. All of the party’s programmes in the state will remain suspended for three days, he said.
Bhatt said, “A personality like Prakash Pant not being with us anymore is a major loss to the State and BJP. He will always be remembered for the contributions he made as an MLA, minister and BJP leader. We were associated for three decades not only politically but also personally. His demise is a personal loss for me which cannot be overcome.”
Expressing grief, Pradesh Congress Committee president Pritam Singh said that Pant was a sensible politician, well versed in parliamentary traditions who achieved coordination between the treasury and opposition benches. He will be remembered for his contribution to the state’s development, said Singh.
Former CM Harish Rawat also expressed grief stating, “My beloved younger brother, sincere leader and minister who was a very capable person and our future is no longer with us. His sudden demise is very painful, everyone is feeling cheated. He will be missed a lot.”
Leader of opposition Indira Hridayesh said, “His demise has caused a loss which will be difficult to repair. I had seen his work and able functioning as the State’s first Assembly speaker. His demise is a loss for the state especially for the Trivendra government as Pant used to handle all the work of the assembly. I came in to personal contact with him in 2008. As the State’s finance minister, he came to my office and requested me to remain present during his first budget speech, saying that he would like my blessings. I remained in the House during the entire budget speech and also congratulated him. I feel very bad even while expressing my condolence.”