PM condoles Bali Ram Bhagat’s death

NEW DELHI - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday condoled the death of veteran Congress leader and former Lok Sabha speaker Bali Ram Bhagat who passed away in a Delhi hospital.

In his condolence message, Manmohan Singh described Bhagat as “a freedom fighter, a great patriot and a veteran politician who was deeply committed to the cause of the people”.

Manmohan Singh conveyed his “heartfelt condolences” in a letter to the bereaved family.

“I had the privilege of knowing Bhagatji for a very long time. I have lost a very close friend and a valued colleague in his sad demise. His commitment to the welfare of his people and his achievements in diverse areas of public service will continue to serve as an inspiration to all of us,” the prime minister said.