The Prime Minister has condoled the passing away of senior Congress leader and veteran parliamentarian Shri Bhagwat Jha Azad. In a condolence message to late leader's son Kirti Azad, Dr. Manmohan Singh described Shri Bhagwat Jha Azad as a leader with a long and rich experience in public life and with a commitment to the noble values of our Republic.

The Prime Minister's message is as follows :

"I was deeply grieved to learn of the passing away of your father Shri Bhagwat Jha Azad earlier today. Shri Azad was a distinguished and senior Congress leader who served a number of times as a member of the Union Council of Ministers. He was elected to the Lok Sabha for six terms from Bhagalpur. Shri Azad served the state of Bihar in various capacities and had a distinguished tenure as Chief Minister. In Shri Azad's demise, the country has lost a leader with a long and rich experience in public life and with a commitment to the noble values of our Republic.

I convey my sincere condolences to you, and to other members of Shri Azad's family and his numerous friends and admirers."