New Delhi, July 3 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday condoled the demise of former union minister and Communist Party of India leader Chaturanan Mishra, describing him as a leader passionately committed to the welfare of the people, particularly the underprivileged sections.
In his condolence message, the prime minister said: ‘In his passing away we have lost a freedom fighter, a distinguished parliamentarian and a dedicated trade union activist, who also served as the president of the All India Trade Union Congress.’
The prime minister extended his heartfelt sympathies to Mishra’s family, friends and admirers.
Agriculture minister in the H.D.Deve Gowda-led United Front Government in 1996, Mishra breathed his last Saturday after a prolonged illness. He was 86.
He was twice leader of opposition in the Bihar Assembly in his capacity as leader of the CPI in the legislature. After a term in Rajya Sabha, he was elected to Lok Sabha from Madhubani in 1996.
Mishra became a member of the CPI national council in the mid-1970s and rose to become one of the secretaries of the national council of the the party.
