Senior Congress leader Gurudas Kamat dies, Rahul Gandhi condoles

He was 63.

After complaining breathlessness, Kamat died while he was on his way to hospital.

An advocate by profession, Kamat was elected as an MP from Mumbai North West constituency in Maharashtra in 2009 and Mumbai North East constituency of the same state in 1984, 1991, 1998 and 2004.

Between 2009 and 2011, he served as the Minister of State for Home Affairs with additional charge of Minister of Communications and Information Technology.

Condoling Kamat's demise, Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "The sudden passing away of senior leader Gurudas Kamat ji, is a massive blow to the Congress family. Gurudas ji helped build the Congress party in Mumbai & was greatly respected & admired by all. My condolences to his family in their time of grief. May his soul rest in peace."

Former Congress president and senior politician, Sonia Gandhi, paid homage to Kamat at the hospital where the latter was admitted.

Other political leaders also expressed their condolences on Twitter.

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said: "Shocked and deeply anguished to learn about the sudden demise of Senior Congress Leader Sh Gurudas Kamat ji. No words are enough to describe the sense of loss. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and followers. I pray for the departed soul."

Congress veteran Ahmed Patel said: "Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Gurudas Kamat ji. He was a great orator, leader with superb organisational skills, a wonderful human being & above all a dear friend This is a huge loss to the party. My condolences to his family in this hour of grief"

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said: "Saddened by the demise of Former Union Minister Shri Gurudas Kamat ji. My deepest condolences to his family and followers."

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said: "Saddened by the demise of a veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister Shri Gurudas Kamat. We have lost a leader who knew the pulse of Mumbaikars & would always voice their concern in Parliament. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace."

Former President Pranab Mukherjee too tweeted to condole Kamat's death. He said: "Shocked and pained at the sudden and untimely demise of Shri Gurudas Kamat. A colleague in the Government and the party for many years, his passing away at such young age is tragic."

Image: twitter.com/INCIndia