"Apte was an eminent Parliamentarian and political leader who was always concerned about public welfare and worked tirelessly in various fora to achieve it. He was also an eminent advocate and educationist of acclaimed excellence," Ansari said in his condolence message.
He said that his wife joins him in sending heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and the wide circle of his friends and admirers.
"We pray to the Almighty to grant them the strength and fortitude to withstand this tragedy," Ansari said.
Apte (73) breathed his last yesterday in Mumbai, following a respiratory disorder. He was cremated today in the metropolis.
Among those present during his cremation were senior BJP leaders L K Advani, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Rajnath Singh, Ravishankar Prasad, Shahnawaz Husain and Sushil Kumar Modi.
