New Delhi/Mumbai/Chennai, Aug 14 (IBNS): From politicians to Bollywood stars, personalities from different sectors mourned the death of Union Minister and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, who passed away in a Chennai hospital on Tuesday.
He was 67.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condoled the passing away of Deshmukh.
In his message, Singh said: "Mr Deshmukh was a trusted colleague and an able administrator who worked at Panchayat, State and Central levels with admirable dedication."
Politicians across the partylines mourned Deshmukh's death on Tuesday.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan mourned Deshmukh's death and said: "We lost a national leader."
"He brought perspective from the lowest level of governance. He led Maharashtra state for many years with great distinction," he said.
Chavan said: "We were looking forward to his leadership in the national level but unfortunately he suffered from ailment and fought courageously, but he died."
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad, expressed 'deep sorrow' on the passing away of Deshmukh.
In a message Azad said: “In his death, we lost a highly motivated human being who was always willing to help others in their need. It will be difficult to fill the void left by him."
Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said, “In the death of Deshmukh, not only the State of Maharashtra but the entire nation has lost a great leader and a promising statesman. Under his leadership, Maharashtra State could achieve tremendous progress in every sphere."
Pawar said: “He was a great orator, an able administrator and a versatile person. His contribution towards the society has left an indelible mark on this generation. His journey from the village Sarpanch to the Chief Minister and Union Cabinet Minister was admirable."
Union Minister of Commerce, Industry & Textiles, Anand Sharma condoled Deshmukh's death and said: “His contribution will be remembered not only in the State of Maharashtra where he was the Chief Minister, but will be mourned by the entire nation.”
Union Power Minister Veerappa Moily condoled the sudden demise of Deshmukh and said: “his passing away is a great loss to the country.”
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said: "Sad to know about the demise of Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to his family."
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said Deshmukh's death was 'shocking'.
BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said: "Vilasrao was a good friend of mine. He was a very nice person. He had worked for Maharashtra. His contributions cannot be fulfilled."
Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel said: "We are deeply shocked by the news of his death.A great loss for the country and certainly a very, very big loss for the state of Maharashtra."
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla said: "This is a very sad news. He was never involved in personal enmity in case of politics. This is a huge loss to Indian politics and not only to the party. His void can never be filled."
JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav said: "I pray to god that his family gets the strength to face the loss."
Bollywood actor turned politician Jaya Bachchan said: "I have known Vilasrao and his family for a very long time. They are warm, hospitable people. I was not prepared for something like this. It is untimely demise of a big leader."
"His son (Riteish) is so well loved by all, very well mannered and respectful. My heart really goes out to him and more than anybody else, his young wife," she said.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President N. Srinivasan mourned Deshmukh's death.
Deshmukh was a cricket administrator too.
Srinivasan said: "Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh was an excellent administrator. He was very fond of cricket, and a regular at cricket matches played in Mumbai. He was part of the Mumbai Cricket Association for several years, and was elected President of the Mumbai Cricket Association last year."
"He was Chairman of the BCCI’s Media Committee since last September. This is a big loss for the Board. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace," he said.
TMC leader and quiz master Derek O'Brien tweeted: "An eerie silence in Rajya Sabha when Vilasrao Deshmukh's passing was announced.Someday we'll all be on that highway to heaven."
Bollywood actor Bipasha Basu said, "RIP Vilasrao Deshmukh Sir!Strength To you @Riteishd and family! Extremely sad news."
Actor Akshay Kumar posted: "The man who had Mumbai's Shanghai dream is no more. RIP Vilasrao Deshmukh ji, a visionary and the father of my dear friend @Riteishd. May God give you strength."
Actor Shabana Azmi tweeted: "Vilasrao Deshmukh no more. Too young to die.as CM he gave Nivara a lot of support for our slum rehabilitation project Condolences 2 d family."
Actor Madhuri Dixit-Nene posted: "Sorry to hear that Vilasrao Deshmukh has passed away. Our condolences go out to his family."
Industrialist Vijay Mallya reacted: "Very sorry to hear about the sad passing away of Vilasrao Deshmukh. He was an outstanding leader and a friend."
Filmmaker Karan Johar wrote on his micro-blogging site Twitter homepage: "RIP VILASRAO SIR....thoughts and prayers with the family....love u riteish.....all the strength....and all the courage. "
Actor Dia Mirza said: "This is just so sad...My heart goes out to the entire Deshmukh family... #RIPVilasraoDeshmukhji "
Actor Raveena Tandon posted: "Rest In Peace Vilasrao Deshmukh.Condolences to the bereaved family,@ Riteishd &@ geneliad, words cannot express the shock nd grief we feeling. "
Actor Celina Jaitly tweeted: "Heartfelt Condolences dear @Riteishd and the entire Deshmukh family..prayers and strength to you."
Actor Ayesha Takia said: "Sad sad day, RIP Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh."
Vilasrao Deshmukh died of multiple organ failure in a Chennai hospital. He was 67.
The popular Congress leader was suffering from a serious liver ailment and failure of multiple organs and the end came at 1-40 pm on Tuesday.
Deshmukh is survived by his wife Vaishali and three sons, including his more famous Bollywood actor son Riteish Deshmukh. His other two sons are Amit Deshmukh, an MLA from Latur city, and Dheeraj.
