I am deeply grieved to learn of the sad demise of Shri Ajit Panja.

Shri Panja was a prominent leader of our country. He had the distinction of representing the people in Parliament for six terms. He served the country with distinction as Minister in the Government of India, holding a number of key portfolios. He was a man of the arts and his impressive performance as Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa in the play Nati Binodini earned him recognition and admiration at the national level. In his death the country has lost a well know personality whose contribution to our public life would be long remembered.

On this sad occasion, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the members of his bereaved family and to all those who followed him and respected him as their friend and valued leader.