Prez condoles passing away of former Governor A R Kidwai

President Pranab Mukherjee today condoled the passing away of former Governor of West Bengal and Bihar A R Kidwai saying the nation has lost an eminent leader whose services to the nation will always be remembered.

96-year-old Kidwai passed away yesterday after brief illness.

"I am sad to learn about the passing away of A R Kidwai, an esteemed colleague and a dear friend of long years. A freedom fighter, distinguished Parliamentarian and administrator, Kidwai served the nation in various capacities including as Governor of Bihar, West Bengal, Haryana and Rajasthan.

"For his life-long services, the grateful nation honoured him with 'Padma Vibhushan' in 2011. In his death, the nation has lost an eminent leader whose services to the nation will always be remembered," the President said in a message to Kidwai's son, Monis Kidwai.