Shiv Shankar’s death great loss to nation: Sonia

Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Monday condoled the death of veteran leader and former Union Minister P. Shiv Shankar, describing it as a great loss for the party and the nation.

The judge-turned-politician and a former Governor of Sikkim and Kerala died here Monday at the age of 88.

In a letter to Shiv Shankar’s son P. Vinay Kumar, Gandhi said he was known for his political acumen and legal luminance. She noted that he worked closely with both Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

“His life in politics was marked by dedication to public service and his deep commitment to the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh. As a Member of Parliament, Union Cabinet Minister, Governor, he voiced their interests and concerns with passions and eloquence,” she wrote.

The Congress President recalled that Shiv Shankar championed the welfare of vulnerable sections of society and worked tirelessly for education and economic opportunities for them.