Former Union Railway Minister CK Jaffer Sharief dies, Indian politicians mourn

The senior leader was 85.

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president Dinesh Gundu Rao confirmed the death of the leader and tweeted: " One of @INCIndia’s senior most leaders, many times MP and one of India’s most successful Railway minister, Karnataka’s very own son Sri CK Jaffer Shareef has passed away. A national leader who had a great connect across all communities, a truly secular leader. My condolences."

President, PM mourn:

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have condoled the death of the leader.

The official Twitter page of the Indian President posted: "Sorry to hear of the passing of veteran political figure Shri C.K. Jaffer Sharief, who served the nation in many capacities including as Railway Minister. My condolences to his family members and associates in Karnataka and elsewhere #PresidentKovind."

PMO India tweeted: "Saddened by the demise of Shri C. K. Jaffer Sharief Ji. As a veteran Parliamentarian, he enriched parliamentary proceedings. He was an effective voice for Karnataka’s aspirations in Delhi. Condolences to his family and supporters: PM @narendramodi."

Rahul Gandhi condole death of CK Jaffer Sharief:

Congress President Rahul Gandhi condoled the death of the leader and described it as a 'day of tragedy' for the party.

"It is a day of tragedy for the Congress party, with another senior, loved & respected member of our family in Karnataka, Shri Jaffer Sharief Ji, passing away today. My condolences to his family, friends & supporters in their time of grief. #JafferSharief," he tweeted.

Mamata Banerjee remembers late ex-Union Minister:

Remembering the former Union Minister, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said CK Jaffer Sharief had a special affection for her.

"Saddened at the passing away of very senior politician and former Union Minister CK Jaffer Sharief. He had a special affection for me. Met him in my first term as MP. My condolences to his family and his many admirers," Banerjee posted.

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