The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condoled the demise of Bahujan Samaj Party leader, Shri Kanshi Ram, here today. In a condolence message, the Prime Minister said:

"I was deeply grieved to hear of the sad demise of Shri Kanshi Ramji. Shri Kanshi Ramji was one of the greatest social reformers of our time and his political ideas and movements had a significant impact on our political evolution. He had a larger understanding of social change and was able to unite various underprivileged sections of our society and provide a political platform where their voices would be heard.

His loss will be deeply felt by the nation and by the millions of his followers all over the country, who were inspired by his enlightened ideas on bringing about social equity and justice in the country. I have no doubt that the legacy of his social and political philosophy will continue to guide the political class in the future.

I wish to offer my deepest condolences to members of his family and his innumerable friends, well-wishers and supporters.

May God bless the soul of this great son of India".

The Prime Minister also visited the residence of Ms. Mayawati to pay tributes to the departed leader and offered his condolences to all relatives, friends and admirers of Late Shri Kanshi Ram.