The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condoled the demise of senior Congress leader Shri Ram Niwas Mirdha. In a condolence message to his son Shri Harender Mirdha, the Prime Minister called Shri Ram Niwas Mirdha an able and experienced political leader who made rich contributions in different areas of public life. Following is the text of Prime Minister's condolence message:

"I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing away of your father, Shri Ram Niwas Mirdha. Shri Mirdha was one of the senior most leaders of the Congress Party. In a political career spanning nearly six decades, Shri Mirdha served both his home State of Rajasthan as well as the country with great distinction. He held a number of positions in the Union Council of Ministers and was the Minister of External Affairs in 1984. He had a distinguished legislative career both in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly as well as in Parliament. He served as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and was also a Member of the Tenth Lok Sabha from Barmer. Shri Mirdha had varied interests and was active in international forums. He spearheaded various international parliamentary exchanges. Shri Mirdha was also a man of letters and he served for two terms as Chairman of the Lalit Kala Academi. He was Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Academi at the time of his passing away.

In Shri Mirdha's demise, the country has lost an able and experienced political leader who made rich contributions in different areas of public life. I convey my deepest condolences and sympathies to his immediate family and to his many friends, well wishers and admirers."