Ashok Singhal was 'an institution in himself': Rajnath Singh

Union Home Minister on Tuesday described Ashok Singhal as "an institution in himself".

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh on Tuesday described Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ashok Singhal as "an institution in himself" whose demise has left him "saddened".

"Deeply saddened to learn of Ashok ji Singhal's demise. He was one of the leading lights of 'Shri Ramjanmabhoomi Andolanan'," Rajnath Singh tweeted.

"Ashok Singhalji dedicated his entire life in service to the nation and his five decades in social life made him an institution in himself," Rajnath Singh added.

The 89-year-old Hindu leader breathed his last at 2.20 p.m. on Tuesday in Gurgaon at Medanta-The Medicity hospital, Yatin Mehta, a doctor at the hospital, told IANS.

He was admitted to the hospital on November 13 with heart and kidney problems. He was also suffering from breathlessness.