Politicians pay tributes to Cong veteran Shivajirao Deshmukh

Condolences poured in for veteran Congress leader and former chairman of Maharashtra Legislative Council, Shivajirao Deshmukh who died in a city hospital Monday due to prolonged illness.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, state Congress chief Ashok Chavan and other leaders have expressed grief over demise of Deshmukh, 84.

Chavan and party leader Manikrao Thakare were among the party leaders who visited Bombay Hospital to pay homage to Deshmukh.

In his condolence message, Fadnavis said Maharashtra has lost a senior Parliamentarian in the form of Deshmukh.

"Commitment of Deshmukh, who began his political career as a Zilla Parishad member, towards public cause through local governing agencies was remarkable," the chief minister said.

The CM hailed Deshmukh for his role in ushering in development in hilly pockets in the state, and his innings as a minister of various departments in erstwhile governments of Congress.

"His performance as the chairman of the legislative council will always be remembered," he said.

Congress leader Naseem Khan said the the departed leader had played a big role in ensuring communal harmony.

"It is a big loss for the party," the former state minister said.

Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde of NCP also expressed grief over the death of Deshmukh.

"We have lost a personality who was connected with rural Maharashtra and worked hard for the development of farmers," he said.

Deshmukh had been facing several health issues since the last few months, following which he was admitted in Bombay Hospital for treatment. He breathed his last this evening.

He was on dialysis for the last couple of years, a source in his family said.

His last rites will be performed at his hometown Shirala in Sangli district Tuesday.