RIP Jagmohan Dalmiya: President, Prime Minister, politicos and cricketers pay tribute

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condoled the death of BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya. "Heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Shri Jagmohan Dalmiya," the President tweeted as the passing away of the sports administrator plunged the cricketing world in grief.

"My thoughts are with the family of Shri Jagmohan Dalmiya in this hour of grief. May Shri Dalmiya's soul rest in peace," Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted.

Dalmiya, who was admitted to a Kolkata hospital few days back after he complained of chest pain, passed away Sunday evening following a massive cardiac arrest. The 75-year-old Dalmiya was admitted to the city's BM Birla Hospital on Thursday night after which he also underwent a coronary angiography.

Sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal said in a statement: "Shri Jagmohan Dalmiya's demise a major loss for cricketing world. My prayers are with his family. Cricket has lost a great administrator."

Reactions also started pouring in from Union ministers with HRD minister Smriti Irani condoling his death. "My thoughts are with the family of Shri Jagmohan Dalmiya in this hour of grief. May Sri Dalmiya's soul rest in peace," she said.

Describing him as a 'giant' amongst sports administrators, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled the passing away of Dalmiya and said he would be given a state funeral.

"I am deeply saddened that Jagmohan Dalmiya ji is no more. He was a giant amongst sports administrators, a true lover of Bengal. His passing away will create an irreparable void in the world of sports. My deepest condolences to members of the bereaved family and friends. May his soul rest in peace," Banerjee wrote on her Facebook wall.

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"We will give him (Dalmiya) a state honour. He was an asset," Banerjee said at the hospital where the cricket administrator breathed his last.

West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi also condoled the death of 75-year-old Dalmiya. Describing Dalmiya as an able administrator, Tripathi said "his death would be a tremendous loss to the game of cricket". "I offer my deepest condolences to family members and friends of his family. May his soul rest in peace," Tripathi said in his message.

BJP MP and former India cricket Kirti Azad said: "I knew him personally. It was a huge loss for the country. If someone has got money into cricket, its him. If BCCI has reached to at this position, it is because of Mr Dalmiya."

The cricket fraternity led by Sachin Tendulkar also were shocked by Dalmiya terming it a huge loss for the game of cricket. From Tendulkar to VVS Laxman, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, everyone mourned the death of the veteran cricket administrator.

"Heartfelt condolences to the family & friends of Jagmohan Dalmiya. Had met him in June. Little did I realise that it would be the last," Tendulkar tweeted.

"Will always cherish his encouragement & support over the years. Worked hard for the game of cricket & excelled as an administrator. Was touched by his efforts to make my penultimate Test at Eden Gardens very special. RIP Jagmohan Dalmiya," Tendulkar wrote on his twitter page to pay respect to the departed soul.

Laxman wrote, "Deeply saddened 2 hear the news of the demise of Dalmiya Ji. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul RIP," Laxman said.

Indian ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Test skipper Virat Kohli offered their condolences. 75-year-old Dalmiya is survived by his wife Chandralekha, daughter Vaishali and son Abhishek.

"Respect to Mr Dalmiya for his contribution in Cricket. May his soul Rest in Peace. Strength and warmth to his loved ones!" said Dhoni.

"Saddened to hear the news about Dalmiya Ji's demise. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends," added Kohli.

Suresh Raina tweeted: "Big loss for India cricket. Mr. Dalmiya always showed the way. Rest in Peace sir#RIP" "#Rip Dalmiya sir.

My heartfelt condolences to the family," wrote Rohit.

Senior off-spinner Ravi Ashwin termed him as a fine administrator. "My condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Jagmohan Dalmiya. A fine administrator he was. Rip Sir," tweeted Ashwin.

"Deepest condolences to the Dalmiya Family. Dalmiya Saab's contribution to the Indian Cricket and @BCCI will always be cherished. #RIP," wrote Shikhar Dhawan.

"Heartfelt condolences to Dalmiya Ji's family. Dalmiya Sir's contribution to @BCCI will always be remembered," tweeted Indian pacer Ishant Sharma.

Former skipper Anil Kumble too lauded Dalmiya's contribution to the game. "Saddened by Mr. Dalmiya's death. Immense contribution to Indian and world cricket. A huge loss. Always a players man! Condolences to family!" Kumble tweeted.

"Jaggu's vision energy & dedication built Indian cricket into a global powerhouse I can never 4get & recall today our long innings 2gether RIP," added former administrator Inderjit Bindra.