Maharashtra leaders condole Murli Deora's demise

MUMBAI: Politicians cutting across party lines in Maharashtra paid rich tributes to veteran Congress leader Murli Deora, who died here this morning.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is in Nagpur, described Deora as one of the tallest leaders from the state.

"He leaves behind a rich legacy of political and social work," Fadnavis said.

Former Congress MP Priya Dutt said Deora was a mentor to her in politics after her father Sunil Dutt passed away.

Former minister Mohammed Arif Naseem Khan said Deora encouraged young leadership and strengthened the party in Mumbai.

NCP leader Praful Patel described Deora as a leader who groomed young talent.

Maharashtra Rural Development Minister Pankaja Munde said she was sad and shocked to learn about Deora's demise.

"Since I was small, I have seen his dedication to his work and his party," she said.

BJP MP Poonam Mahajan said the senior Congress leader was a family friend as her father Pramod Mahajan and Deora were colleagues in Parliament.

The Chief Minister said Deora was a grass root leader who was connected with top business leaders as well as the common man.

He used to provide computers for students in municipal schools and organised health camps for the people, he said.

State Congress unit president Manikrao Thakre said the party had lost an experienced guide and mentor.

His political journey was an inspiration to all, Thakre said.

Deora's mortal remains were kept at Mumbai Congress office for party workers to pay their respects.

AICC general secretary Gurudas Kamat, senior leaders Mohammed Arif Naseem Khan, Priya Dutt and Narayan Rane were prominent among those present at the party office.

NCP state unit president Sunil Tatkare said Deora had a deep understanding of socio-political issues.