Labour and Employment Minister Sis Ram Ola is no more. The 86-year-old senior Congress leader died at a Gurgaon hospital today after a prolonged illness. His cremation will take place at his native village Ardawata in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan tomorrow.

The Vice President and the Prime Minister have expressed sorrow and grief on the passing away of Ola. In a condolence message, Vice President Hamid Ansari described Ola as a popular political leader who was intimately connected to the masses. Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said, Ola was a valued colleague and dedicated social worker. Dr Singh has called a special meeting of the Cabinet later today to pay condolences to Ola. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has also expressed grief at the demise of Sis Ram Ola. In a condolence message, Mrs Gandhi said Ola was a grass root leader who fought for the cause of people.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi has also expressed grief at the demise of Sis Ram Ola. In a condolence message, Mrs Gandhi said Ola was a grass root leader who fought for the cause of people. She said the nation has lost a leader of stature and rare earthy wisdom.