The Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee has expressed grief over the death of Begum Abida Ahmed, wife of late Shri Fakruddin Ali Ahmed, former President of India.

In a message, Shri Vajpayee said:

~I am deeply grieved to learn about the demise of Begum Abida Ahmed.

Begum Abida was a distinguished social worker and did justice to her role as the first lady of the country.

I had many occasions to interact with her and found her deeply committed towards the well-being and development of the minorities and weaker sections, particularly women and children.~