At a specially convened meeting of the Union Cabinet on Friday morning, it was decided that Prasad would represent the government of India and the Union Council of Ministers at the funeral of the veteran leader who died here on Thursday evening, they said.
"The veteran socialist leader, Paswan ji was also a very efficient administrator who worked very closely with me as Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers, and also served as minister in various ministries," the former PM said.
"In his passing away, the nation has lost an eminent leader, a distinguished parliamentarian and an able administrator," the Cabinet said.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were among those who condoled the demise of Union minister and veteran leader Ram Vilas Paswan, saying he had an enviable rapport with the masses and ardently strove for their welfare.
Paswan had been in active politics for more than five decades and was one of the country's most noted Dalit leaders.
Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda on Thursday expressed grief over the demise of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, who had served as the Railway Minister in his cabinet, and said it was a great loss to the country.
Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday condoled the death of Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan and said he was a popular leader who stood for deprived and weaker sections of the society.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, his deputy Sushil Kumar Modi and RJD president Lalu Prasad on Thursday condoled the death of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan in Delhi.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday expressed deep grief over the passing away of union minister Ram Vilas Paswan.
National Flag will be flown at half-mast on 09.10.20 in Delhi and Capitals of all States and UTs where it is regularly flown, and also on the day of the funeral at the place where the funeral takes place. It has also been decided that State Funeral will be accorded.
Deepest condolences on the passing of my friend Ram Vilas Paswan. We had been associated for many decades, in times when he stood with India’s secular and democratic order. My solidarity with the family and Chirag Paswan in their moment of grief: Sitaram Yechury
Ram Vilas Paswanji's demise is very sad news. He fought for all Dalit, backward groups throughout his life. He was very active in the cabinet. He had great faith in PM Modiji: Union Minister Prakash Javadekar
The country lost one of its tallest leaders who always advocated for downtrodden, poor, SCs-STs. Whether he was in govt or in Oppn, he always represented the poorest of the poor. I pray to God to give peace to his soul & strength to his family: Union Min Dharmendra Pradhan
The mind is extremely disturbed by the demise of Ram Vilas Paswan ji, who is always fighting for the welfare and rights of the poor and the deprived. In his political life, he always kept national interest and public welfare paramount. His death has created a void in Indian politics: Amit Shah
"Heartfelt condolences on the demise of Union Minister Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones", said Arvind Kejriwal.
The information about the demise of Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji, the Union Minister and popular leader who came out of the student movement in Bihar, is very sad. His entire political life is like an era in itself. Both supporters and opponents respected him equally. greeting: Kanhaiya Kumar
I am saddened beyond words. There is a void in our nation that will perhaps never be filled. Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji’s demise is a personal loss. I have lost a friend, a valued colleague, and someone who was extremely passionate to ensure every poor person leads a life of dignity: PM Modi
Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji rose in politics through hard work and determination. As a young leader, he resisted tyranny and the assault on our democracy during the Emergency. He was an outstanding Parliamentarian and Minister, making lasting contributions in several policy areas: PM Modi
"In the demise of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, the nation has lost a visionary leader. He was among the most active and longest-serving members of parliament. He was the voice of the oppressed and championed the cause of the marginalized", said Ram Nath Kovind.
The news of Ram Vilas Paswan's untimely demise is tragic. The poor-Dalit class today lost a loud political voice. My condolences to their family members: Rahul Gandhi
Union Minister and LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan passedaway on Thursday.
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