President condoles death of former Lok Sabha Speaker Rabi Ray

NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee today condoled the death of former Lok Sabha Speaker Rabi Ray.

In his condolence message to Ray's wife Saraswati Swain, Mukherjee said in his death, the nation has lost a leader who was always in touch with the grassroots of the society.

"I am sad to learn about the passing away of your husband, Rabi Ray," he said in the message.

Mukherjee said as a freedom fighter, a veteran socialist leader and an eminent parliamentarian, Ray served the nation in various capacities including as the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and the Speaker of Lok Sabha.

"Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I pray to the Almighty to give you and all members of your family the strength to bear this irreparable loss," he said.

Rabi Ray passed away at a Cuttack hospital yesterday after a prolonged illness. He was 91.