Mumbai: Union Heavy Industries Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on Saturday condoled the demise of former Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and described him as a "great visionary and parliamentarian".
Shekhawat always worked for the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden, Deshmukh said in his condolence message here.
Union Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde also paid rich tributes to the 87-year-old BJP leader and said he was a "kind-hearted" gentleman who had a thorough knowledge of grassroots politics.
"In his death, India has lost a "fatherly figure", he said.
BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly Eknath Khadse said in his statement that Shekhawat was a great visionary and was known for his organizational skills and discipline. "He always struggled for the common man," Khadse said.