President condoles death of ex-union minister Dharia

President Pranab Mukherjee Monday condoled the passing away of former union minister Mohan Dharia and described him as "a distinguished parliamentarian and an able administrator who served the nation in different spheres".

In a condolence message to his wife, Shashikala, the president has said, "his service to the nation as a union minister and as the deputy chairman of Planning Commission will always be remembered."

"He also made valuable contribution as a dedicated environmentalist and as a champion of farmers' rights. In his death, the nation has lost an eminent public figure who made immense contribution for the greater good of our country," the message said.

Dharia, 89, died Monday morning at a hospital in Pune where he was admitted for a kidney ailment.

A lawyer by profession, two-time member of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, Dharia was a prominent figure in the state and national politics.

He was commerce minister under prime minister Morarji Desai in 1977. Dharia was conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian honour for his social work in 2005.