Congress Leader, Ex-Union Minister Buta Singh Dies At 86, Tributes Pour In

Buta Singh joined the Congress party under Jawaharlal Nehru's leadership in the 1960s.

Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Buta Singh died at Delhi's AIIMS early on Saturday morning. He was 86 years old. He was in a coma since October last year after he suffered a brain haemorrhage.

His demise was announced by his son Arvinder Singh Lovely Sidhu on Facebook. "My father, Buta Singh, passed away today morning. May Waheguru bless his soul," read the post in Hindi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the country in condoling the death of Mr Singh, who was a member of the Shiromani Akali Dal before joining the Congress in the 1960s.

Shri Buta Singh Ji was an experienced administrator and effective voice for the welfare of the poor as well as downtrodden. Saddened by his passing away. My condolences to his family and supporters.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 2, 2021

Tributes also poured in from President Ram Nath Kovind, Congress' Rahul Gandhi, Ashok Gehlot, Amarinder Singh and Kuldeep Bishnoi, besides many others including, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

"The country has lost a true public servant and a loyal leader with the death of Sardar Buta Singh Ji. He devoted his entire life to service of the country and people's well-being. For this, he will always be remembered. My condolences to his family members during this difficult time," Mr Gandhi tweeted in Hindi.

"Sad to learn about the demise of former Union minister, senior Congress leader and former MP from Rajasthan, Shri Buta Singh ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family members in this difficult time, may God give them strength to bear this loss. May his soul rest in peace," Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot wrote about the former four-time MP from state's Jalore.

In the passing of Shri Buta Singh, the country has lost one of the longest serving parliamentarians with rich administrative experience. He championed the cause of the oppressed and marginalized. Condolences to his family and supporters.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 2, 2021

Sharing Buta Singh's throwback pictures with former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao and former chief minister of Haryana, Bhajan Lal - his father - Mr Bishoni remembered their close friendship.

Deeply saddened to hear the demise of former Union Minster Sardar Buta Singh ji, a senior leader and a very close friend of my late father. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. RIP???? pic.twitter.com/BrN2GKZhvx

— Kuldeep Bishnoi (@bishnoikuldeep) January 2, 2021

Born in 1934 in Punjab's Jalandhar, Buta Singh joined the Congress under Jawaharlal Nehru's leadership and was close to Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, both.

Mr Singh was first elected to the Parliament in 1962. Over the years, he served as the Home Minister in the Rajiv Gandhi government from 1986 to 1989, National President of Scheduled Caste Commission, governor for West Bengal and Bihar, and Union minister for Agriculture, Railways, Commerce and Sports, among other departments.

Saddened to learn of former Home Minister of India Buta Singh Ji's demise. He also served as Governor of Bihar & West Bengal. I pray for strength to his family & friends in this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) January 2, 2021

Saddened at the passing away of Buta Singh ji, eight-time Lok Sabha MP and former Union Cabinet Minister. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and supporters

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 2, 2021

Deeply disheartened by the sad demise of Sardar Buta Singh ji. A stalwart Congressman and Parliamentarian par distinction, he immensely contributed to nation-building as a Minister of 18 Departments.

I offer my condolences to his family, friends & followers. pic.twitter.com/nTSgqosuOy

— K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) January 2, 2021

Shri Buta Singh ji dedicated his life serving poor and downtrodden. He served the nation in several capacities. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 2, 2021

Saddened to learn about the demise of former Union Minister & former Governor Shri Buta Singh Ji. All through his life he worked for the empowerment of downtrodden. My condolences to the family. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/t39LVWeklT

— Shripad Y. Naik (@shripadynaik) January 2, 2021

Mr Singh's last political assignment was a two-year term as the Governor of Bihar in 2004, after which he only held organisational posts within the Congress.