Puducherry, Aug 31 (PTI) Puducherry Chief Minister and senior Congress leader V Narayanasamy expressed grief over the demise of former president Pranab Mukherjee on Monday, describing him as an able administrator and his teacher in administrative matters.

Mukherjee, who died in New Delhi after prolonged illness, did not not have any rancour towards anybody and had developed close camaraderie among all irrespective political affiliations, he told a virtual press conference.

Also Read | Pranab Mukherjee Funeral: Former President to be Cremated With Full State Honours in Delhi Tomorrow, Flag at Parliament Lowered to Half Mast.

Narayanasamy said Mukherjee was an able administrator and had shown his skill and capability both while being Central Minister and also subsequently as President.

He also referred to the concern the former president had for the welfare of the marginalised and the havenots.

Also Read | Mission Begin Again: Maharashtra Govt Extends Lockdown Till September 30; Hotel, Lodges Allowed to Operate With 100% Capacity, No Clarity on Resumption of Local Trains.

Narayanasamy, a former union minister, recalled his close contact with Mukherjee and said he had drawn inspiration from him in administrative matters.

"He was my teacher and his death has caused a vacuum," the chief minister added.

Welfare Minister M Kandasamy was among those who condoled death of Mukherjee.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)