Nelson Mandela a symbol of fight against injustice, discrimination: BJP

NEW DELHI: BJP leaders today paid tributes to South African leader Nelson Mandela, saying the world has lost an apostle of peace and non-violence who inspired people across the world to stand against injustice and discrimination.

"RIP Nelson Mandela. The world has lost an apostle of peace & non-violence who redefined the journey of his nation for the good of humankind," BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi said on Twitter.

Party President Rajnath Singh condoled Mandela's death. "He was an inspiring hero who fought against discrimination and injustice to people all his life. Mandela believed in Gandhian methods and philosophy. He became an iconic figure who gave up his own freedom to ensure freedom for his people," he said.

The BJP leader said Mandela was one of the greatest leaders of modern history who inspired people around the world with his struggle for dignity and honour to human beings.

Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley said he was deeply saddened by the news of Mandela's demise.

"Also known as the 'Father of the Nation', he led the movement that successfully abolished apartheid from South Africa. As President of South Africa, he fought against poverty and HIV/AIDS," Jaitley said, adding that Mandela led the world to follow a path of non-discrimination.

His Lok Sabha counterpart Sushma Swaraj said Mandela was a "monument of struggle against injustice".

"Many of us are not fortunate to see Gandhi ji alive. We are blessed to see the life of Nelson Mandela, who embodied his values & ideals.

"My heartfelt condolences to Nelson Mandela's family & the people of South Africa. We stand by them in this hour of grief," Modi said in his tweets.