The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condoled the passing away of Smt. Gayatri Devi, the former maharani of the erstwhile Jaipur royal family. In his condolence message, the Prime Minister described Smt. Gayatri Devi, popularly known as Rajmata, as a close friend and an exceptional human being.

Smt. Gayatri Devi entered politics in 1960s and was elected to the Lok Sabha for three terms. In her public life she worked with devotion for the socio-economic development of her people. She was an international celebrity, named in a list of the ten most beautiful women of her times. She contributed substantially to the cause of the uplift of the girl child. She also promoted the dying art of blue pottery in Rajasthan.

"I convey my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. I pray for peace of the departed soul," Dr. Singh said.