Politicians across party lines, activists, and hundreds of supporters paid their last respects to veteran socialist, Mrinal Gore, in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Ms. Gore, who passed away on Tuesday after a cardiac arrest, was cremated with full State honours.
Speaking to reporters, Maharashtra Chief Minister, Prithviraj Chavan, said: “Ms. Gore was a fearless leader. When women weren’t leading such movements, she took it upon herself to further the cause of workers, women, and housing for the poor. She started her active career with the Samyukta Maharashtra movement. Even after the creation of Samyukta Maharashtra, she continued her agitation.
“She represented the people in the Assembly and Parliament. She left an indelible mark with her selfless and dedicated service. Maharashtra will remember her; the nation will remember her. She was regarded with awe whenever she rose to speak in the House. The people of Maharashtra will always be ever so grateful for what she has done.”
Bharatiya Janata Party president Nitin Gadkari recalled her influence on him when she was Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly. “She didn’t play politics for the sake of politics. She kept her principles intact.”
Social activist Shanti Patel said resolving people’s day-to-day problems would be a fitting tribute to what Ms. Gore stood for.
“She strived for the rights of the common people to housing, food, shelter, education and health. She had full faith in the socialist vision,” Mr. Patel said.
Among the prominent leaders who paid tributes to Ms. Gore were Mr. Chavan, Mr. Gadkari, Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, MP Supriya Sule, social activist Medha Patkar, Shiv Sena MLA Subhash Desai, and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena MLAs Bala Nandgaonkar and Pravin Darekar.
