Prime Minister Narendra Modi today condoled the death of VHP leader Ashok Singhal, whom he described as a "force behind several noble deeds and social work", and said his demise was a "deep personal loss" for him.
"The demise of Ashok Singhal ji is a deep personal loss. He was an institution in himself, whose life was centred around serving the nation," he tweeted.
"Ashok Singhal ji was the force behind several noble deeds & social work, which benefitted the poor. He is an inspiration for generations," Modi said in another tweet.
The Prime Minister added, "I was always fortunate to receive Ashok ji's blessings & guidance. My condolences to his family & countless supporters."
Singhal, who rose to prominence playing a leading role in the Ram Janambhoomi movement in the late eighties and afterwards, died today at a private hospital at the age of 89.
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Finance Minister Arun Jaitley condoled the death of Ashok Singhal.
"I am saddened by the demise of Shri Ashok Singhal ji. May God render peace to the departed soul," he tweeted.
Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya too expressed heartfelt condolence.
"He was a spirited thought leader who has grown VHP to the international stage. His contribution for preservation of Hindu culture, values, ethos & heritage is invaluable. I bow my head in reverence to the great human being that he was. I pray for his soul to rest in peace," Dattatreya said.
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Finance Minister Arun Jaitley condoled the death of Ashok Singhal.
"I am saddened by the demise of Shri Ashok Singhal ji. May God render peace to the departed soul," he tweeted.
Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya too expressed heartfelt condolence.
"He was a spirited thought leader who has grown VHP to the international stage. His contribution for preservation of Hindu culture, values, ethos & heritage is invaluable. I bow my head in reverence to the great human being that he was. I pray for his soul to rest in peace," Dattatreya said.
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Condoling the death of VHP leader Ashok Singhal, Union Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptulla tweeted, "Saddened at the passing away of Ashok Singhal ji. My condolences to his family."
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and his Jharkhand counterpart Raghubar Das also expressed grief over the demise of the leader.
"Singhal was a key organiser of the first VHP Dharma Sansad in 1984 held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, attracting hundreds of Sadhus and prominent people to discuss the issues of rejuvenating Hinduism.
"This led to the birth of the movement for reclaiming the Ramjanmabhoomi temple and Singhal soon became the chief architect of this movement," Khattar said.
The Jharkhand Chief Minister said Singhal had always made efforts to provide a new direction to the country.
Singhal's death has left an irreparable loss to the country, Das added.
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Meanwhile, Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki also expressed grief over Singhal's death.
In a condolence message, the Governor said Singhal would always be remembered for his work for the uplift of the poor and rejuvenation of Hinduism.
