Khattar, Solanki condole demise of ex Haryana Governor Kidwai

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki today expressed grief over the demise of former Governor of the state A R Kidwai who passed away at a hospital in New Delhi.
Kidwai was 96. He is survived by two sons and four daughters, an official statement said here.
In his condolence message, Khattar described Kidwai as a seasoned politician and a great academician who worked relentlessly for promoting research and development and for elevating the status of women through education and self-reliance.
Solanki said in Kidwai's demise the country had lost a great freedom fighter, a Gandhian leader, an able administrator and an educationist.

He made remarkable contribution to the freedom struggle, especially in Quit India Movement, Solanki said.
"He had brilliantly discharged his constitutional responsibilities while serving as the Governor of Bihar two times, and West Bengal and Haryana one time each," Solanki said.

"He did appreciable work as Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission," Solanki said while also conveying his heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family.
Meanwhile, Haryana government has decided to observe three days of state mourning from today as a mark of respect to Kidwai.
The national flag will fly at half mast and there would be no official entertainment during the mourning period, an official spokesman said.

Kidwai remained Governor of Haryana from July 7, 2004 to July 27, 2009. He also served as Governor of Bihar and West Bengal.