"I am writing to you to convey my heartfelt condolences on the passing away of your father Shri Bali Ram Bhagat, a news that I have just received with deep sadness.

In Bhagatji's passing away, the country has lost a freedom fighter, a great patriot, and a veteran politician who was deeply committed to the cause of his people. Bhagatji's long journey in the service of the nation began when he joined the freedom struggle as a student at the young age of seventeen. After independence, he was elected to the first Parliament. This was the beginning of a distinguished career as a parliamentarian in which he was a member of the Lok Sabha for seven terms, including five consecutive ones.

Bhagatji brought distinction to the diverse positions he held as a public servant. He served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance in the first government of the Republic and was made Deputy Finance Minister in 1956, a responsibility which he held for seven years. He also served as the Minister of State for Planning, Defence and External Affairs before being elevated to the Cabinet rank in 1969. Bhagatji became the Lok Sabha Speaker in 1976 and upheld the highest traditions of this office. He also served as Governor of Rajasthan in the late nineties.

I had the privilege of knowing Bhagatji for a very long time. I have lost a very close friend and a valued colleague in his sad demise. His commitment to the welfare of his people and his achievements in diverse areas of public service will continue to serve as an inspiration to all of us.

On this sad occasion, I pray to God to give strength to you and other members of the family to bear with your loss. I also pray for the departed soul."