President condoles passing away of Baleshwar Ram

President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday condoled the passing away of former union minister and veteran Congress leader from Bihar, Baleshwar Ram.

In a condolence message to Ram's wife Chinta Devi, Mukherjee said: "I am sad to learn about the passing away of Baleshwar Ram, a friend and colleague of long years."

"Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey the same to the rest of your family members. I pray to the almighty to give you and other members of your family the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss," he said.

"Baleshwar Ram served the nation in different capacities during his long public life. As a five-term member of the Bihar legislative assembly and minister in the state government in the sixties and seventies, he made immense contribution for the welfare and development of the people of Bihar, especially weaker sections," the president said.