Vadodara:
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to the former 'Maharaja of Baroda' and MP Ranjitsinh Gaekwad, who died on Thursday after a prolonged illness.
Mr Modi flew to Vadodara to pay homage before the last rites were performed at Royal crematorium in Raopura area of the city.
The Chief Minister offered his condolence to the late Maharaja's wife Shubhanginidevi Gaekwad, his son Samarjeetsinh Gaekwad and other members of royal family.
"It is unfortunate that the demise of Ranjitsinh Gaekwad took place when the entire state of Gujarat has been celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad-III (grand father of Ranjitsinh Gaekwad) for his contribution to the freedom movement of the country," Mr Modi said.
Ranjitsinh Gaekwad had followed the rich tradition of art and culture of Gaekwad dynasty. He led a simple life and was soft spoken but used to give his opinion bravely and honestly, the Chief Minister said.
He also acknowledged the contribution of Maharaja Gaekwad in making primary education compulsory, allowing widow remarriage, opening libraries in towns and other social causes.
Rajya Sabha MP and political secretary to Sonia Gandhi, Ahmed Patel said in a condolence message that Ranjitsinh Gaekwad was always eager to solve problems of the people and lived like a common man till his death.
Several other leaders, members of royal families across the country and people from all walks of life gathered to pay their last respects to the deceased.
The body had been kept in Darbar hall of Royal Lakshmi Vilas Palace since yesterday for people to pay their last respects to the Maharaja.
A large number of people from all walks of life attended the funeral.
Mr Modi flew to Vadodara to pay homage before the last rites were performed at Royal crematorium in Raopura area of the city.
The Chief Minister offered his condolence to the late Maharaja's wife Shubhanginidevi Gaekwad, his son Samarjeetsinh Gaekwad and other members of royal family.
"It is unfortunate that the demise of Ranjitsinh Gaekwad took place when the entire state of Gujarat has been celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad-III (grand father of Ranjitsinh Gaekwad) for his contribution to the freedom movement of the country," Mr Modi said.
Ranjitsinh Gaekwad had followed the rich tradition of art and culture of Gaekwad dynasty. He led a simple life and was soft spoken but used to give his opinion bravely and honestly, the Chief Minister said.
He also acknowledged the contribution of Maharaja Gaekwad in making primary education compulsory, allowing widow remarriage, opening libraries in towns and other social causes.
Rajya Sabha MP and political secretary to Sonia Gandhi, Ahmed Patel said in a condolence message that Ranjitsinh Gaekwad was always eager to solve problems of the people and lived like a common man till his death.
Several other leaders, members of royal families across the country and people from all walks of life gathered to pay their last respects to the deceased.
The body had been kept in Darbar hall of Royal Lakshmi Vilas Palace since yesterday for people to pay their last respects to the Maharaja.
A large number of people from all walks of life attended the funeral.
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