Leaders across parties remember Dave as soft-spoken, learned man

Leaders cutting across party lines today condoled the demise of Union minister and BJP leader Anil Madhav Dave, remembering him as a soft-spoken, honest person and a learned man. 60-year-old Dave, Minister of State (independent charge) for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, passed away here this morning.

Shocked at his sudden demise, Congress President Sonia Gandhi said Dave was a soft spoken and gentle human being. "He will be fondly remembered for his humble personality," she said. She also conveyed her condolences to Dave's family members, admirers and supporters.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi remembered Dave's efforts for conservation of the Narmada river. "Very sad to learn of the sudden demise of Union Minister Anil Madhav Daveji. He worked tirelessly for Narmada conservation. My condolences to his family," he tweeted.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad recalled Dave as "a very soft spoken and honest person".

"Dave was an able fellow Parliamentarian and a popular leader. I remember him as a very soft spoken and honest person. He was an accomplished writer both in Hindi and English language," the Congress leader said, as per a release issued by his office.

"Azad also prayed to Almighty to give strength and courage to the near and dear ones of Dave in this moment of grief and also prayed that his departed soul may rest in peace," it said.

Congress's chief whip in Lok Sabha, Jyotiraditya Scindia said Madhya Pradesh has lost an excellent environmentalist and a simple and honest leader in the death of Dave, who hailed from the state.

The Left parties condoled the "untimely" demise of Dave, describing him as a "very learned and polite" leader. "Sad and untimely. Heartfelt condolences (sic)," CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said on Twitter.

CPI national secretary D Raja remembered Dave as a "learned" person and an orator with "sense and conviction". "I would see him speak with lot of sense and conviction in the Rajya Sabha. He was a very polite person. It is very sad to learn about his demise," Raja, a Rajya Sabha MP, said.

Conveying condolences to Dave's family, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu termed his demise as an "irreparable loss". "Very sad and shocking. He selflessly worked on several social issues," Prabhu said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed condolences and said, "Saddened at the sudden passing of Union Minister Anil Dave. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues."

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Dave played an important role in giving boost to many projects in his state."Extremely shocked and saddened to know about the very simple, humble, environmentalist #AnilMadhavDave ji's sudden demise," Fadnavis said in a tweet.

"As an Environment Minister, he played imp role in giving boost to many projects in Maharashtra. He will be always remembered for this great help," he said.
"My deepest condolences to Anil ji's family, friends and followers.

"Mumbai will remember #AnilDave ji for giving environmental clearances to coastal road and STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) which will give a better life to Mumbaikars," he said in a series of tweets.

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar expressed shock over Dave's sudden demise.

"Shocked & saddened by untimely demise of Shri Anil Dave. India has lost a promising leader who had immense concern for our environment," he tweeted.
Haryana Chief Minister and BJP leader Manohar Lal Khattar has expressed sorrow and grief over the demise of Dave.

Dave was a devoted public servant and passionate towards conserving the environment, he said.

Khattar conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty that the departed soul may rest in peace.