Didi condoles Bajaj’s death, says great loss for country

Kolkata: Calling him “a fearless soul”, chief minister Mamata Banerjee deeply condoled the death of veteran industrialist Rahul Bajaj, the former chairman of

Bajaj

Auto, on Saturday. Acknowledging the “major role” Bajaj played in the industrialisation of India, Banerjee said: “It is a great loss for our country’s industry and commerce. His family had played a key role in the freedom struggle too.” Patton MD Sanjay Budhia, who is also the co-chair of CII National Committee on Exim, echoed her and said Bajaj was free, frank, fearless and forthright — the only industrialist who could call a spade a spade. “During my association with him in CII for more than two decades, I had the privilege of watching him closely. He had a distinct aura. There are memories galore,” Budhia added.Several other industry captains paid their tributes.

Rudra Chatterjee

, the chairman of Ficci West Bengal State Council and MD of Luxmi Tea, recalled how ‘Hamara Bajaj’ became an anthem for Indian manufacturing. “In Rahul Bajaj’s passing, India has lost a visionary and a patriot who fearlessly put the interest of the nation first,” Chatterjee said.Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry president

Rishabh C Kothari

said Padma Bhushan awardee Bajaj was a leading voice in the country and beyond. “With him we have lost a visionary entrepreneur and a philanthropist. He made the name ‘Bajaj’ synonymous with two-wheelers in India and demonstrated to the world the strength of Indian manufacturing.”