India has lost a hard-core nationalist: Ghulam Nabi Azad on Mufti Sayeed's death

NEW DELHI: Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad today expressed profound grief and sorrow on the passing away of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and said the country has lost a "hard- core nationalist".

In his condolence message, Azad said he was deeply saddened by his passing away.

"My heart goes out in sympathy to Mrs Mufti, Mehbooba Mufti and members of the bereaved family."

He said Sayeed's death has created a void in the socio- political arena of the state and the country "which is very difficult to fill".

Recalling his long association with Sayeed, Azad said, "He was a hard-core nationalist, a true democrat and a pro-people political leader who made enormous contribution to public life at the national and state level."

"I have had a very close and personal relation with Mufti Sahab during his long political career. What made him matchlessly distinct were his indefatigable will, firmness of resolve and inexhaustible energy," he said.

Azad said "one would wonder how at the age of 80 he would work with relentless zeal and untiring energy" and added that "even one day before his illness he was touring Srinagar city in harsh winter condition".

Describing him a self-respecting, seasoned and thinking politician, Azad said he relentlessly strove for the equitable development of all the regions of the state and envisioned unified, inclusive, pluralistic and progressive Jammu and Kashmir and a strong India.

His qualities of head and heart, warmth and concern for others won him friends from across the political spectrum and made him dear to one and all, without any distinction of caste, colour and creed.

"We have lost a towering leader and a highly experienced politician who will be missed for a long time to come," he said in his message.