The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away of Shri Vidya Charan Shukla.
In a condolence message to his wife, Smt. Sarla Shukla, the President has said, "Shri Shukla was son of illustrious freedom fighter and first Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla. He entered into Parliament at a very early age and represented undivided Madhya Pradesh in the Lok Sabha for a long period of time. He served as Minister of State under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from 1967 to 1977 including as Minister of State with Independent Charge of Information and Broadcasting. He also served as Cabinet Minister under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao during 1991-96 in charge of Parliamentary Affairs and Irrigation.
A veteran Parliamentarian, able administrator and an outstanding statesman, Shri Shukla made valuable contribution to the growth of our nation in various capacities. The nation will remember his contributions and his pursuit of excellence in public life.
I had a long personal association with Shri Shukla. In his death, I have lost a friend and the nation an eminent public figure”.
This release issued at 1825 hrs