Chandigarh, May 18: Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences on the demise of Ambala MP and former Union Minister of State, Sh. Rattan Lal Kataria; and prayed for strength to his family and admirers to bear the loss.

In a condolence message sent through Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr Virendra Kumar, the Prime Minister said that Sh. Rattan Lal Kataria will be remembered for his rich contribution to public service.

Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal paid last respects to Sh. Rattan Lal Kataria at his Panchkula residence today and extended sympathies to the bereaved family members. He prayed to the Almighty to give place to the departed soul in his holy feet and strength to the family in this difficult time. Sh. Rattan Lal Kataria, 72, breathed his last at PGIMER, Chandigarh, after protracted illness at around 3.30 am today.

Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Sh. Gian Chand Gupta was also present on the occasion along with the Chief Minister.

Talking to mediapersons, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the demise of Sh. Rattan Lal Kataria is an irreparable loss to the state politics and the party. He said that Sh. Rattan Lal Kataria also remained the state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party besides, member of Haryana Legislative Assembly from Radaur, Chief Parliamentary Secretary and Union minister of state. He represented Ambala Lok Sabha thrice.

One day state mourning declared

The Chief Minister said that Sh. Rattan Lal Kataria was cremated with full State Honours and a one-day state mourning has been declared on his demise.

Sharing his experiences with the three times parliamentarian, the Chief Minister said that he got the opportunity to work with Sh. Rattan Lal Kataria for three years as the general secretary of the party. He described Sh. Rattan Lal Kataria as a soft-spoken and cheerful natured person.

The Chief Minister said that Sh. Rattan Lal Kataria belonged to a poor family and on the strength of his hard work, he progressed to become the Union Minister. He also shared good relations with Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi.

On the occasion, Panchkula Mayor, Sh. Kulbhushan Goyal, Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Priyanka Soni, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sh. Sumer Pratap Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Smt. Varsha Khangwal, along with party leaders and workers were present.