Jaipal Reddy's demise: From Centre to state, political leaders express grief

New Delhi: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday (July 28) expressed his condolences on the demise of Congress leader S Jaipal Reddy while recalling the former Union minister's "razor-sharp intellect" and "biting wit".

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief on the demise of the veteran party leader and hailed the former Union minister as a "great son of Telangana".

I’m sorry to hear about the sad demise of former Union Minister & veteran Congress leader Shri Jaipal Reddy Garu. An outstanding parliamentarian, great son of Telangana, he dedicated his entire life towards public service. My deepest condolences to his family & friends.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 28, 2019

Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Shri Jaipal Reddy had years of experience in public life. He was respected as an articulate speaker and an effective administrator. Saddened by his demise."

Shri Jaipal Reddy had years of experience in public life. He was respected as an articulate speaker and effective administrator. Saddened by his demise. My thoughts are with his family and well-wishers in this hour of grief: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 28, 2019

Similarly, Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa said, "Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of former Union Minister #JaipalReddy. A gentleman of the Parliament, his contribution as a 7-time MP and 4-time MLA will be remembered by the nation. May his soul rest in peace."

I express my condolences on the demise of former Union Minister Shri Jaipal Reddy. My thoughts & prayers with his family and supporters. #OmShanti pic.twitter.com/7Qn9X8jmsR

— B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) July 28, 2019

Several other political leaders from across the country expressed their grief over veteran Congress leader S Jaipal Reddy's demise.

Expressing my profound grief and sorrow over the demise of veteran Congress leader, Sri #JaipalReddy garu. We have lost a fine politician. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

— YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) July 28, 2019

I am very sad to know that Shri Jaipal Reddy Ji is no more. We were together in Parliament for many years. He was very assertive in the House and very warm at personal level. I will miss a dear friend #JaipalReddy.

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 28, 2019

Reddy died at a hospital in Hyderabad early Sunday (July 28). He held key portfolios in various governments. He was a four-term MLA, member of Lok Sabha for five terms and member of Rajya Sabha for two terms.

Reddy was the information and broadcasting minister in the IK Gujral government. During the UPA-1 government, he held portfolios like urban development and culture.