The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has expressed his deepest condolences at the passing away of Shri Viren Shah.

Expressing his sadness at the loss of a former Parliamentary colleague and a close friend, the Prime Minister said that Shri Viren Shah was a distinguished Parliamentarian who also rendered invaluable service in the field of industry and commerce. He also recalled his tenure as Governor of West Bengal and said that the country had lost a public figure of great distinction.