New Delhi, Jan 3 (IANS): Senior BJP leader L.K. Advani kn his condolence message on Sunday described veteran Communist Party of India leader A.B. Bardhan as "voice of the poor".

"I am deeply grieved to learn about the passing away of A.B. Bardhan. He was fully committed to his ideology and principles. He was a leading figure of the trade union movement and a voice of the poor. He will always be remembered for his excellent oratory," Advani said in a statement here.

He said Bardhan's politics involved more than the issue of Kisan (farmer) and Mazdoor (labourer).

"Protecting the secular fabric of the nation was one of his other commitments apart from raising the issue of agrarian distress and growing hardships on labour. He had to brave several challenges and struggles to make a place for himself in politics and social work," the BJP leader said.

"I mourn A.B. Bardhan's passing away. May the departed soul rest in peace," Advani added.

Bardhan, 92, died at a hospital here on Saturday.