Veteran Congress leader Rajashekharan passes away in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, April 13 (IANS) Veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister M.V. Rajashkharan died at a private hospital here after prolonged illness, a party official said on Monday. He was 91.He is survived by his wife Girija, two sons and two daughters."Rajashekharan has been ailing in the hospital for some weeks with age-related symptoms. His end came earlier in the day," party's state unit spokesman Ravi Gowda told IANS.Son-in-law of late Congress President S.N. Nijalingappa, Rajashekharan was Minister of State for Planning in the Manmohan Singh government (2004-09).Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, state Congress unit president D.K. Shivakumar, former Prime Minister and Janata Dal-Secular supremo H.D. Deve Gowda and several leaders mourned the departed leader."I am saddened by the demise of Rajashekharan. His concern for rural development and his value-based politics will always be remembered. May God give his family strength to bear his loss. Om Shanti," said Yediyurappa in a condolence message.Born on September 12, 1928 in Ramanagara district, about 60km southwest of Bengaluru, Rajashekharan was a Gandhian and well-known for his simplicity, humility and helping nature.The Congress paid rich tributes to Rajashekharan at a homage at the party's office in the city, where party's leaders and cadres also condoled his death.
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