The Prime Minister has condoled the passing away of veteran Parliamentarian Vasant Sathe. In a condolence message to the departed leader's son Subash Sathe, Dr. Manmohan Singh recalled his personal association with Shri Vasant Sathe and said that he was a socialist at heart and known for his frank expression on various critical subjects of the day.

The following is the text of the Prime Minister's condolence message:

"I was deeply grieved to hear of the demise of your father Shri Vasant Sathe. Shri Sathe was one of country's senior most political leaders and parliamentarians. He held a number of positions in the Union Cabinet, notably as the Minister of Information & Broadcasting. He was a socialist at heart and was known for his frank expression of views on various critical subjects of the day. He was a strong advocate of India's cultural diplomacy and held the position of President of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations with great distinction. I recall fondly the many stimulating discussions I had with him on various economic and political matters when I was Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission and later Finance Minister.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Shri Vasant Sathe, whose wit and wisdom left a deep imprint on our public life. May God give you the strength to bear this irreparable loss."