Sonia, Manmohan, top Congress leaders condole Ram Jethmalani's demise
New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh and several senior party leaders on Sunday condoled Ram Jethmalani's demise, with many hailing him as a "seasoned parliamentarian" and "one of the finest criminal lawyers the country has seen".
Eminent jurist and former Union minister Jethmalani passed away on Sunday at the age of 95. He was not keeping well for a few months, his family members said.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi has extended her condolences on the passing away of Jethmalani and to his family and friends, a party statement said. Manmohan Singh also condoled Jethmalani's demise.
"In his death India has lost an eminent jurist, an able administrator and a seasoned parliamentarian," Singh said in his condolence message.
The Congress, on its official Twitter handle, said: "We are saddened by the loss of former Union Minister and veteran lawyer Shri Ram Jethmalani. Our thoughts & prayers are with this family today."
Several senior Congress leaders paid rich tributes to Jethmalani, describing him as "fearless" and a "crusader in both law and politics".
"Ram Jethmalani is no more. A crusader in both law and politics he stood steadfastly for the causes he took up. His knowledge in criminal law was matched by none," senior lawyer and Congress leader Kapil Sibal said.
"He was also a bundle of affection. The nation has lost a great son. May his soul rest in peace," he tweeted. Another senior lawyer and Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said Jethmalani, with whom he shared great camaraderie, will be missed.
"Feisty, ebullient, fearless, outspoken to a fault, uncaring of consequences or of societal norms, he had a large heart and a restive temperament. Always a crusader, his mind and body remained good almost to the end," Singhvi tweeted.
"Ram & I shared great chemistry, despite our age differences & despite the fact that we agreed on 25% issues, it never affected personal affection and regard. I always provoked him by saying that there is no party left in the country to send him to Rajya Sabha where he spent decades!" he said in another tweet.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also condoled the passing away of Jethmalani.
"Heartfelt condolences at the passing away of eminent lawyer and former Union minister, Shri Ram Jethmalani. May God give strength to his family members. May his soul rest in peace," he tweeted. Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot also extended his condolences to Jethmalani's family.
"Deeply pained to learn about the passing away of India's veteran lawyer and former Union Minister Ram Jethmalani ji. With his passing away, India has lost its finest and most profound lawyer," Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said in a tweet.
Senior Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia hailed Jethmalani as "one of the finest criminal lawyers the country has seen".
"He was a powerhouse of knowledge and never shied from speaking his mind. His demise is a huge loss for the entire legal fraternity. May the departed soul rest in peace," he said in a tweet.
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TN CM Vijay calls fuel price hike ‘unacceptable’, seeks rollback
Chennai (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Friday slammed the increase of Rs 3 per litre in petrol and diesel prices, calling it "unacceptable", and demanded its immediate rollback, claiming the revision would affect various sections of society.
He said oil marketing companies do not reduce prices in line with global crude price trends and "take the profits".
"Union government oil marketing companies have increased the price of petrol and diesel by Rs 3 per litre. This is not acceptable," Vijay said in a statement.
The hike has been effected after the "five-state polls" (four states and one union territory), he added.
This price rise will largely affect the income of the poor and middle class using two-wheelers and small vehicles, as well as others dependent on vehicles for their livelihood, the CM said.
It will ultimately result in an increase in the prices of daily commodities and also "affect the purchasing power of the poor," he added.
Citing the chain effect of the price revision, such as increased input costs for small units, he said it could lead to a "slowdown" in the market and exports.
"Therefore, I urge the union government to immediately roll back the price hike that will affect the poor and middle-class people and SMEs," Vijay added.
Global crude oil prices have surged more than 50 per cent since US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation, which disrupted energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil shipments.
Petrol and diesel prices are now at their highest level since May 2022.
