Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Former Chief Minister of J&K Ghulam Nabi Azad has expressed profound grief and sorrow on the passing away of Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.In his condolence message, Ghulam Nabi Azad said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Mufti Sahab. My heart goes out in sympathy to Mufti, Mehbooba Mufti and members of the bereaved family”.Azad said that Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s demise has created a void in the socio-political arena of Jammu & Kashmir and the country which is very difficult to fill.Recalling his long association with Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Azad said he was a hard-core nationalist, a true democrat and a pro-people political leader who made enormous contribution to public life at the national and State level.
“I have had a very close and personal relation with Mufti Sahab during his long political career. What made him matchlessly distinct were his indefatigable will, firmness of resolve and inexhaustible energy”.Azad said “one would wonder how at the age of eighty he would work with relentless zeal and untiring energy” adding that even one day before his illness he was touring Srinagar city in harsh winter condition.Describing him a self-respecting, seasoned and thinking politician, Azad said he relentlessly strived for the equitable development of all the regions of the State and envisioned a unified, inclusive, pluralistic and progressive J&K and a strong India.His qualities of head and heart, warmth and concern for others won him friends from across the political spectrum and made him dear to one and all, without any distinction of caste, colour and creed.“We have lost a towering leader and a highly experienced politician who will be missed for a long time to come” said Azad.