President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday condoled the passing away of former Maharashtra chief minister A. R. Antulay.
“It was with profound sorrow that I learnt of the sad demise of A. R. Antulay. An esteemed colleague and a dear friend, Antulay served the nation in various capacities such as union minister, chief minister, parliamentarian and legislator,” President Mukherjee said, in his condolence message to Antulay’s wife Nargis.
“He made immense contribution towards the welfare and development of the people of the state of Maharashtra. In his passing, the nation has lost a leader, whose long years in public service will be remembered for years to come,” he added.
Former Maharashtra CM Antulay breathed his last on earlier in the day after battling a prolonged illness.
Antulay , 85, was the first Muslim chief minister of Maharashtra, serving his term from 1980-82.
—ANI