The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condoled the passing away of Shri Vidya Charan Shukla. Following is the text of the Prime Minister's condolence message to his wife, Smt. Sarla Shukla.

“I learnt with great sadness about the passing away of your husband Shri Vidya Charan Shukla today.

Vidya Charan ji was a veteran Congressman whose political career spanned several decades. During his long career he served our people and the country with great distinction, as a Parliamentarian and a Cabinet Minister in the Central Government. He was one of the most influential leaders that undivided Madhya Pradesh produced in post independence India.

In Vidya Charan ji's demise I have lost a very dear colleague, the Congress party a committed member and the country a staunch nationalist. I am particularly pained that he lost his life in a brutal attack by Left Wing Extremists. His passing away only strengthens our resolve to fight the menace of Left Wing Extremism with firmness.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to you and other members of the family in this very difficult hour of bereavement.”