Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 23 (ANI): Union Minister Nitin Gadkari paid condolences to former Lok Sabha Speaker and ex-Chief Minister of Maharashtra Manohar Joshi, who breathed his last on Friday at around 3 am in Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai.

The 86-year-old Joshi was admitted to Hinduja Hospital on February 21 after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Also Read | Manohar Joshi Dies at 86: Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Lok Sabha Speaker Passes Away in Mumbai.

In a post on X, Gadkari recalled his relationship with the departed soul and said, "Very sad to hear about the death of former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and former Speaker of Lok Sabha, Senior Leader Manohar Joshi, Sir. With Sir's demise, the cultured face of Maharashtra politics has been lost. We have lost a leader who was very humble, passionate about Hazrajbabi and Maharashtra and also a Marathi man," said Gadkari.

"I got an opportunity to work under the leadership of Joshi sir during the coalition government. Like the head of the family, he always got guidance. May God give peace to the departed soul and strength to his family to bear this sorrow. Om Shanti," he added in the post.

Also Read | Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi Passes Away at 86: Live Breaking News Headlines & Updates, February 23, 2024.

According to family sources, the funeral will be held later in the day at Dadar Shivaji Park Crematorium, with full state honours.

Joshi served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1995 to 1999 and as Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 2002 to 2004. He was also a Member of the Rajya Sabha from 2006 to 2012 and Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises from 1999 to 2002. (ANI)

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