President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday condoled the demise of former union minister Bijoy Krishna Handique, saying he served the nation with distinction in different capacities during his public life.
In a condolence message to Handique's wife Swarup Rani, he said: "I am sad to learn about the passing away of Bijoy Krishna Handique, a friend and colleague of long years."
Handique, a Congress leader from Assam, died at the Jorhat Medical College and Hospital on Sunday. He was 80.
A contemporary of Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, he represented the Jorhat Lok Sabha constituency for six consecutive times since 1991. Handique held several portfolios in the union government.
Mukherjee said Handique served the nation with distinction in different capacities during his public life.
He further said Handique made immense contribution for the welfare and development of the people of India, especially of Assam.
"Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey the same to the rest of your family members. I pray to the almighty to give you and other members of the family strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss," he said in the message.
