Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief on the passing away of BJP leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Punj. In a social media post, Mr Modi said Mr Punj was a prolific writer, thinker and public intellectual and made a rich contribution to the world of media. He said Mr Punj’s writings were widely read, reflecting his strong passion towards national regeneration, and his Parliamentary interventions were rich in facts and theory.

The Prime Minister said Mr Punj worked tirelessly to strengthen the BJP, especially among students, professionals, scholars and intellectuals. He said, Mr Punj was in charge of various states, including Gujarat. Mr Modi fondly remembered their interactions from those times. He expressed condolences to Mr Punj’s family and friends.