Cabinet passes resolution condoling Munde's death

The union cabinet Tuesday passed a resolution condoling the death of Rural Development Minister Gopinath Munde in a car accident here.

Munde would be cremated in his village in Maharashtra Wednesday "with full state honours", said Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu.

Naidu said the cabinet observed two minutes' silence and passed a resolution condoling his death.

Munde, 64, an important figure in Maharashtra politics, was going to the Indira Gandhi International Airport when his car was hit by another car. An injured Munde was rushed to the AIIMS Trauma Centre nearby where he died following cardiac arrest.

The cabinet resolution placed on record its appreciation of Munde's services to the nation in various capacities both at the state and the national level.

The cabinet also expressed its deep sense of loss and grief at his tragic death.

"In his untimely demise, the nation has lost an experienced and visionary leader who was held in high esteem across the political spectrum. On behalf of the entire nation, the cabinet extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family," the resolution said.

Briefing on the parliament session beginning Wednesday, Naidu said the first sitting of the 16th Lok Sabha will be adjourned for the day after paying tributes to Munde.

Congress MP Kamal Nath will be the pro-tem speaker and will preside over the Lok Sabha proceedings till the election of a new speaker June 6.

The Lok Sabha will take up the obituary reference to Munde, which will be moved by Nath.

After observing a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed member, the house will adjourn for the day, Naidu said.

As per the earlier schedule, newly-elected members were to be administered oath Wednesday and June 5.

Naidu said the Lok Sabha might sit late June 5 now. The oath-taking by members will continue till the afternoon of June 6.