PM Modi condoles Ashok Singhal's demise

Condoling the demise of former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Ashok Singhal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the former would inspire many generations to come.

The Prime Minister took to micro-blogging site twitter to express his grief.

"The demise of Ashok Singhal ji is a deep personal loss. He was an institution in himself, whose life was centred around serving the nation...Ashok Singhal ji was the force behind several noble deeds & social work, which benefitted the poor. He is an inspiration for generations," he said in a series of tweets.

"I was always fortunate to receive Ashok ji's blessings & guidance. My condolences to his family & countless supporters," Prime Minister Modi said in another tweet.

Singhal, who was admitted to the Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon for respiratory problems, passed away today afternoon. He was 89-years-old.

He was admitted to Medanta on October 20 after his condition deteriorated in Allahabad and was flown in to the national capital in an air ambulance.

Singhal had served as the VHP president for over 20 years until he was replaced by Praveen Togadia in December 2011 due to diminishing physical health.