AMN / NEW DELHI
Veteran Congress leader and union minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, who had been in coma since 2008 passed away at a private hospital in New Delhi today. He was 72.
Mr Dasmunsi served as Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs.
He was elected to Lok Sabha five times. Dasmunsi was on life support system after he suffered a massive stroke which left him paralysed in 2008. He also headed All India Football Federation for a long time. He is survived by his wife former Union Minister Deepa Dasmunsi and son Priyadeep Dasmuni.
President Ram Nath Kovind has expressed sadness on the demise of Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi.
In a tweet, Mr Kovind said, Mr Dasmunsi contributed much to Bengal and to the administration of football in the country.
Former President Pranab Mukherjee in a tweet said, his loss will be felt forever.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed sadness on the demise of former Union Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi.
In a tweet, Mr Modi said, Mr Dasmunsi was a popular leader with rich political and administrative experience. He said, Mr Dasmunsi did notable work to popularise football in India.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani has also condoled the demise of Mr Dasmunsi.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi has also expressed her condolences on the passing away of former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi.
In a message, Mrs Gandhi said, in a career spanning almost five decades, Mr Dasmunsi served the party and Government illustriously.
She said, his immense work at the grassroots will be remembered for posterity.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi in a tweet said, Mr Dasmunsi was a brilliant political leader and a good human being. He said, Bengal and Congress party have lost a tall leader.
