Top leaders condole death of Congress veteran Jaipal Reddy

Senior Congress leader and former Union minister S. Jaipal Reddy, who was known for his oratorical skills and carved a place for himself in Parliament and state Assembly, passed away at a hospital in Hyderabad on Sunday.

The 77-year-old was recently diagnosed with pneumonia and was admitted to the hospital, where he died at 1.28 am.

Reddy was a Lok Sabha MP for five terms, a member of Rajya Sabha for two terms and was a four-term MLA.

Top Congress leaders condoled the demise of former Union minister S Jaipal Reddy on Sunday, with Rahul Gandhi describing him as a distinguished parliamentarian and the son of Telangana.

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi in her condolence message said Reddy was a "humane leader and a valued colleague".

"I am deeply saddened at the passing away of Shri S. Jaipal Reddy. A senior, erudite and humane leader, he was a valued colleague who enriched Parliament and the government," Sonia Gandhi said.

"Respected across political parties and adored by the media for his accessibility and forthright responses, he always held the interest of people close to his heart. At this time of grief my thoughts and prayers are with his family and supporters," she added.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh said Reddy was a treasure of wisdom and knowledge. "Deeply saddened by the untimely passing away of my friend and veteran Congress leader Shri Jaipal Reddy. He was a treasure of wisdom and knowledge. My condolences to the bereaved family," Singh said.

"I'm sorry to hear about the sad demise of former Union Minister & veteran Congress leader Shri Jaipal Reddy Garu," Rahul Gandhi tweeted. "An outstanding parliamentarian, great son of Telangana, he dedicated his entire life towards public service. My deepest condolences to his family & friends."

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu recalled his association with Reddy and said the departed leader was a great orator and an intellectual giant who had the ability to analyse each and every issue.

Speaking to reporters after paying homage to the departed leader at his residence and consoling his family members, Naidu said he had never hesitated to praise Reddy whenever there was an occasion, despite being in a different party.

Minister of state for home G Kishan Reddy, who also paid homage to the departed leader, said the country has lost a great parliamentarian.

Telangana Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan too visited Reddy's residence and consoled the family members.

Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, in his message, said Jaipal Reddy was one of the outstanding Parliamentarians from Telangana who dominated the national political discourse for nearly two decades.

"An excellent administrator and gifted speaker, Shri Jaipal Reddy held various ministerial portfolios during his long and illustrious political career. Despite our ideological differences, I had the highest regard for him. In his demise, Telangana has lost a dedicated public servant," Rao said.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao expressed his condolences and announced that Reddy’s last rites would be performed with state honours.

Reddy's body would be kept at Gandhi Bhavan for some time on Monday morning to enable people pay their last respects.

Former CPI General Secretary Sudhakar Reddy also condoled Jaipal Reddys death.

Former Union finance minister P. Chidambaram said he was deeply saddened by the passing away of Reddy. "Behind every word that he spoke or wrote, there was deep scholarship and a passion that was remarkable. He effortlessly combined old world values and the new world's technologies," he said.

Chidambaram said Reddy would be greatly missed by his friends, admirers and the Telugu people.

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Union Minister Jaipal Reddy. A senior Congress leader, he served as an LS MP 5 times, an RS MP 2 times and as an MLA 4 times. We hope his family and friends find strength in their time of grief," the Congress tweeted.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said he was extremely saddened at the unfortunate demise of Reddy.

"He stood for modern values of democracy and was known for impeccable honesty in administration. May his soul rest in peace," Surjewala tweeted.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said he was deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Reddy, with whom he shared a personal bond. "My heartfelt condolences to his family members, may god give them strength…may his soul rest in peace," Gehlot tweeted.

Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda expressed sadness to hear about Reddy's demise.

"I pray to God to grant peace to the departed soul. My heartfelt condolences to the family and their colleagues," Hooda said.

Telangana Congress president Uttam Kumar Reddy said the principles of secularism and probity in public life were extremely close to his heart.

"Shri Jaipal Reddy garu was an Outstanding Orator, an Intellectual Giant and a Great Human Being. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and his supporters during this hour of grief," he said

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condoled the demise of former Union minister S Jaipal Reddy on Sunday, saying he was a gentleman politician who never compromised on principles.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday condoled the demise of veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Jaipal Reddy.

Banerjee described him as an experienced parliamentarian and a good communicator.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury expressed grief on the death of former Union minister S Jaipal Reddy and said he consistently worked to strengthen the secular foundations of India.

Yechury in a statement said that Reddy's death was a loss for the country.

Recalling his association with former union minister S Jaipal Reddy, who died here on Sunday, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said the departed leader was a great orator and an intellectual giant who had the ability to analyse each and every issue.

Speaking to reporters after paying homage to the departed leader at his residence and consoling his family members, Naidu said Reddy's political life should become a role model for other politicians "I pray God that his soul may rest in peace. His political life should become a role model for other politicians. I really feel very sorry for the sad demise of my friend, colleague, senior and the best parliamentarian," he said.