Sonia, Manmohan condole Congress MP’s death

New Delhi, June 9 (IANS) Congress President Sonia Gandhi, senior party leader and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Friday condoled the death of senior Congress leader and Telangana MP Palvai Govardhan Reddy, terming it a big loss for the party.

Remembering Reddy as a respected leader, Sonia Gandhi said: "Reddy committed his life to the people and Congress party at a young age and leaves behind an admirable legacy. His death is an irreparable loss to the nation and the party."

Expressing solidarity with his family and supporters, Sonia Gandhi prayed for peace of the departed soul.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in a condolence message to the family, said: "In his death india has lost a dedicated parliamentarian and a leader who fought in the forefront for the formation of the Telangana State and a humble human being."

Rahul Gandhi Tweeted: "P. Govardhan Reddyji's untimely demise is a big loss for Congress - a five-time MLA and RS MP he was at the forefront of Telangana movement. My condolences."

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed deep sorrow and grief at the death.

"He was a very seasoned parliamentarian and has richly contributed to the proceedings, both in the legislative assembly and Parliament, of which he remained member from time to time in his long span of political career. In his death, the Congress party has lost a great parliamentarian and a leader," said Azad.

Reddy died of a massive heart attack in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu town on Friday. He was 80.

Reddy, who was in Kullu for a meeting of a Parliamentary Standing Committee, suffered cardiac arrest at Bhuntar airport.