By IANS
New Delhi : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday expressed "profound sadness" at the passing away of former prime minister Chandra Shekhar, describing him as a "truly secular nationalist".
In a condolence message, the prime minister noted Chandra Shekhar's rich political and administrative acumen, saying, "He steered the ship of our nation and economy through stormy waters with statesmanship and wisdom".
"I received the news of the passing away of former prime minister Shri Chandra Shekharji with profound sadness…(He) was a truly secular nationalist, a man of the people, committed to their welfare and well-being," Manmohan Singh said.
"He belonged to a generation that felt deeply about the importance of ideals and idealism in politics. During his brief tenure as prime minister, he steered the ship of our nation and economy through stormy waters with statesmanship and wisdom.
"He was not afraid of taking unpopular decisions if these were in the larger national interest and served the nation in the long term," the prime minister added.
Recalling his "privilege and pleasure" of working with Chandra Shekhar when he was prime minister and having had the "benefit of his sage advice, abiding trust and sincere affection for me over the years", Manmohan Singh added: "In recent months, I was deeply moved by the courage with which he fought his illness and soldiered on.
"In his passing away, our country has lost a distinguished son and a great patriot who was passionately committed to sustained development and social equity.
"I convey my heartfelt condolences to his family and millions of his admirers across our country."
Chandra Shekhar passed away early Sunday after a long battle with cancer.