In a condolence message, the Governor said: "The sudden and untimely demise of Gopinath Munde barely one week after becoming the Union Minister for Rural Development, has caused deep anguish and sorrow to the people of Maharashtra. He was one of the most charismatic leaders who had the potential to provide leadership to the state and assume even higher responsibilities at the national level."
An organisation man, Munde had risen to the ranks in public life by dint of hard work, especially for the poor and the downtrodden. Despite holding various positions in public life, Munde never lost touch with the masses at the grassroots level, he said.
"Munde's contribution to the state was vast and varied. He was a Lok Nayak," the governor said.
He conveyed condolences to Munde's family and to his countless admirers.