Sonia, Rahul condole the demise of P Shivshankar

Congress President Sonia Gandhi and party Vice president Rahul Gandhi today condoled the demise of former Union minister P Shivshankar, saying it is a big loss to the party and the nation.
While Sonia described him as a one known for his political acumen and legal luminance, who worked tirelessly and passionately for the vulnerable sections of society, Rahul described Shivshankar as a distinguished legal mind who served the nation with courage and commitment.
In a letter to his son Vinay Kumar, Sonia said she was deeply grieved at the passing away of Shivshankar, who worked closely with Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

"His life in politics was marked by his dedication to public service and his deep commitment of the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh.
"As a member of Parliament, Union Cabinet Minister and Governor he voiced their interests and concerns with passion and eloquence. He championed the welfare of vulnerable sections of society and worked tirelessly for education and economic opportunities for them. His passing away is a great loss for the party and the nation," she said.
"Sincere condolences on the passing away of former Union Minister Shri P Shiv Shankar. A veteran leader and a distinguished legal mind he served the nation with courage and commitment. His loss will be deeply mourned," Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

An influential Congress leader during the Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi governments, P Shivshankar died in Hyderabad this morning due to old age-related health issues. He was 90.