Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari has deeply condoled the passing away of Union Minister for Rural Development Gopinath Munde.
In his condolence message, the Vice President has said that Munde was amongst the most prominent political leaders of Maharashtra who had a long and illustrious public life during which he served his state and the country in various capacities with great distinction.
"I am profoundly saddened at the passing away of Gopinath Munde, the Union Minister for Rural Development in a tragic road accident today. In his departure, we have lost a distinguished public servant whose absence will be felt by one and all," he said.
"I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. I pray to the Almighty to give them strength and fortitude to bear this loss," he added.
Munde died here this morning in a road accident. 64-year-old Munde was on his way to airport when his car was hit by another vehicle at around 6:30 a.m.