Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the death of VHP leader Ashok Singhal, whom he described as a “force behind several noble deeds and social work”, and said his demise was a “deep personal loss” for him.
“The demise of Ashok Singhal ji is a deep personal loss. He was an institution in himself, whose life was centred around serving the nation,” he tweeted.
“Ashok Singhal ji was the force behind several noble deeds & social work, which benefitted the poor. He is an inspiration for generations,” Modi said in another tweet.
The Prime Minister added, “I was always fortunate to receive Ashok ji’s blessings & guidance. My condolences to his family & countless supporters.”
Singhal, who rose to prominence playing a leading role in the Ram Janambhoomi movement in the late eighties and afterwards, died on Tuesday at a private hospital at the age of 89.
Governors of Rajasthan and Gujarat also condoled the death of Singhal saying his demise was “unrecoverable loss” to the society. Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel while condoling his death wrote on twitter, “Saddened by demise of Shri Ashok Singhal Ji. His contribution to the nation and society will be remembered forever. I pray for his departed soul.”
Gujarat Governor O P Kohli has express profound grief over Singhal’s demise.
Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh, in a statement, said, “Singhal’s death is unrecoverable loss to the society as his life was always inspiring and he was ‘ajatshatru’ (one who has no enemy like Yudhishthir)”.
“Singhal had devoted and dedicated his entire life for the country, society and cultural values,” he said. Rajasthan BJP President Ashok Parnami and other party leaders Kuldeep Dhankar, Ashok Lahoti and Mukesh Pareek also condoled his death.