New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condoled the demise of Congress veteran S Jaipal Reddy, describing him as an effective administrator. "Shri Jaipal Reddy had years of experience in public life. He was respected as an articulate speaker and effective administrator. Saddened by his demise," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted quoting Modi. The prime minister said his thoughts are with Reddy's family and well-wishers in this hour of grief.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu also condoled the demise of the Congress leader while recalling the former union minister's "razor sharp intellect" and "biting wit".  Naidu said Reddy was his close friend of four decades and they used to sit next to each other in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly. "An exemplary orator, he was conferred 'Outstanding Parliamentarian Award' in 1998. With his razor sharp intellect and biting wit, he was also a powerful spokesperson of the party to which he belonged," the vice president said in his message.

Reddy, the vice president said, was known for cherishing and upholding democratic values. "A tireless champion of the vulnerable and  marginalised sections, his absence will be profoundly felt," Naidu said.

While Rahul Gandhi hailed the former Union minister as a "great son of Telangana". "I'm sorry to hear about the sad demise of former Union Minister & veteran Congress leader Shri Jaipal Reddy Garu," Gandhi said in a tweet. "An outstanding parliamentarian, great son of Telangana, he dedicated his entire life towards public service. My deepest condolences to his family & friends," he said.

Reddy died at a hospital in Hyderabad early Sunday. He held key portfolios in various governments. He was a four-term MLA, member of Lok Sabha for five terms and member of Rajya Sabha for two terms. Reddy was the Information and Broadcasting Minister in the IK Gujral government. During the UPA-1 government he held portfolios like urban development and culture.