President Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away of former union minister and Congress leader Murli Deora.
In a condolence message to his wife, Hema Deora, the President said, "It was with profound sorrow that I learnt of the sad demise of Shri Murli Deora, an esteemed colleague and long-standing friend. As a Union Minister, distinguished Parliamentarian, veteran leader and a committed Congressman, Shri Deora had served the nation with dedication."
"In his passing, the nation has lost an eminent leader and social worker whose long years in public service will be remembered for years to come. He leaves behind many memories of his amiable nature and organisational skills. The people of India, especially his home state, Maharashtra, shall value his significant contribution towards growth and progress in our country," he said.
"Kindly accept my heartfelt condolences and convey the same to other members of your family. I pray to the Almighty to give you and your family the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss," he added.
The 77-year-old Congress leader was suffering from cancer. He breathed his last at 3.25 a.m. in Mumbai.
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
Also Read
As per reports, the funeral will be held at Girgaum's Chandanwadi Crematorium at 4 p.m.
Deora held several important positions during his decades-long political career. During the UPA-1 regime, Deora was the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas. The Congress veteran had also served as the Mumbai Congress president for 22 years.
In 2006, he joined the Union Cabinet and led India's oil diplomacy in Myanmar, Algeria and Egypt, and held talks with ministers from Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia and Comoros.
Deora also hosted the first India-Africa Hydrocarbon Conference and Exhibition in November 2007.
He became Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology in July 2011.