Congress, Sonia Gandhi condole Balram Jakhar's demise

New Delhi: Congress Party president Sonia Gandhi and other leaders paid homage to former Madhya Pradesh Governor and veteran Congress leader Dr. Balram Jakhar on Wednesday.

"Be it as a legislator, parliamentarian, minister, speaker or governor, Dr. Jakhar forever remained at the forefront in taking up issues concerning agriculture and farmers and his role in modernising the parliament secretariat was pioneering," said Gandhi.

Party vice-president Rahul Gandhi said, ""Extremely saddened by the passing away of veteran Congress leader Dr Balram Jakharji.In his passing, the Congress Party has lost a stalwart. His immense contribution to the nation in his long political career as parliamentarian,union minister & governor will always be remembered," he said in a series of tweets.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, "The demise of former Governor of Madhya Pradesh and senior leader Dr. Balram Jakhar is an irreparable loss. We have lost a messiah for farmers and a true statesman. Dr. Jakhar, in his long public career has always fulfilled the highest values of democracy. His tenure as governor will be unforgettable," he wrote in a series of tweets.

Jakhar passed away this morning. He was 93.