New Delhi, Jan 17 (Inditop.com) Vice President Hamid Ansari Sunday “deeply mourned” the demise of veteran Communist leader Jyoti Basu and said he left behind a void that would be difficult to fill.

“I have learnt with great shock and deep anguish the unfortunate passing away of veteran leader and former chief minister of West Bengal Jyoti Basu. His demise is deeply mourned by the vast numbers of his friends and admirers in the country,” Ansari said in his condolence message.

The vice president said Basu had made significant contributions to public life, and especially to the development of West Bengal.

“His sagacity and leadership at both the state and the national level have been a source of inspiration and guidance. His demise leaves a void which will be very difficult to fill,” Ansari said.

“My wife joins me in conveying our heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and wide circles of friends and admirers and pray to give them strength to withstand this loss,” he added.