New Delhi, June 3 (IANS): Leaders cutting across party lines Tuesday condoled the death of rural development minister Gopinath Munde, describing his demise as shocking and sudden.
Munde was killed in a car accident here Tuesday morning, rendering a setback to the Narendra Modi government barely a week after he took charge.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said: "I am shocked to know about sudden demise of my colleague Gopinath Munde. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family."
Similar reactions poured in from other ministers.
Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi said in the sad demise of Munde, the country has lost an able and dedicated leader.
Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said following the sudden demise of the rural development minister, the nation has lost a promising leader with a vision for taking the country to great heights.
Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar also condoled Munde's sudden death, saying it was a big loss for the rural sector.
Pawar said Munde's knowledge about problems of rural India made him a great public servant.
Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav said: "He was my very old friend, devastated by this news. Nation had high hopes from him".
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said Munde's death was an irreparable loss for the BJP as well as the Shiv Sena.
Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patekar tweeted: "Mundeji's demise is shocking. Maharashtra has lost a leader sensitive to the issue of working class, OBCs and farmers."
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