By IANS,
New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar Sunday condoled the death of the former speaker Bali Ram Bhagat, who passed away in a Delhi hospital at the age of 89.
“I am deeply pained to learn about the sad demise of Bali Ram Bhagat. Bhagat was one of those visionary leaders of independent India who guided the destiny of the nation during its early years and subsequently through its journey as a vibrant democracy,” Meira Kumar said in her condolence message.
She said Bhagat was a “veteran freedom fighter with a profound commitment to national welfare”.
“He had an abiding faith in parliamentary democracy. As the speaker of Lok Sabha, he left his indelible impression on the proceedings of the house and upheld its prestige and dignity.
“During his illustrious career of more than six decades, including as a minister of the union cabinet and governor, he made a purposive contribution in the process of nation-building and helped in redefining national priorities to customize them for pro-poor policies,” the speaker said.
“In Bhagat’s passing away, we have lost a worthy son of India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and pray that they may get the strength to bear the irreparable loss.”