Murli Deora was today described as a "very dear friend" by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in whose Cabinet the late leader had served for years.
In a condolence message to his wife, Singh said Deora had made "a profound impression as a parliamentarian and as a Cabinet colleague for many years. His untimely death is a great loss to the nation".
He said Deora was "a very dear friend" and his friendship was deeply cherished by him.
Deora served as Petroleum and Corporate Affairs Minister in Manmohan Singh Cabinet. He was currently serving his third term as a Rajya Sabha member.
