On the demise of Union Minister, Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh, in a condolence message to his wife, the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has said: -

"I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of your husband, Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh.

Shri Deshmukh was an esteemed colleague and a dear friend. He was a veteran politician and an able administrator who served the nation in different spheres. He was always concerned about the welfare and upliftment of the poor and downtrodden. As a Minister in the Union Government he held many important portfolios. He was a towering leader of Maharashtra and his immense contribution to the welfare of the state as Chief Minister will always be remembered. In his passing away, the nation has lost a personality who was always in touch with the grassroots of society."

This release issued at 1810 hrs