Lucknow

BSP president Mayawati on Thursday said the death of party MLA Uma Shankar Singh was a major loss for both the party and the people of his Rasra constituency, and described him as a dedicated and loyal leader.

The 55-year-old Singh was the Bahujan Samaj Party's (BSP) lone legislator in the 403-member Uttar Pradesh Assembly. He passed away on Wednesday evening.

Addressing reporters at the Lucknow residence of Singh, where his body was kept after it was brought from Delhi, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said Singh had served the BSP with complete honesty, dedication and loyalty ever since he joined the party and never betrayed it despite political ups and downs.

"As you all know, ever since Uma Shankar Singh joined the BSP, he discharged every responsibility with honesty, sincerity and loyalty. He always worked for his constituency as well as society. His death after a long illness has deeply saddened me," Mayawati said.

Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, she said the BSP would stand firmly with them in this difficult time.

Mayawati recalled her close personal bond with the late legislator, saying Singh treated her like his own sister and tied 'rakhi' every year.

"He was a businessman, and it is often seen that businessmen change political parties whenever power changes. But despite political ups and downs, he never betrayed the BSP. He treated me like his own sister," she said.

The BSP chief said Singh remained committed to public service and was always available to the people of his constituency in times of need.

Referring to the Rasra Assembly seat in Ballia district, Mayawati said Singh had won every election he contested on a BSP ticket and enjoyed the confidence of the people because of his dedication to the constituency.

"He always stood with the people in their joys and sorrows and took complete care of their interests. I believe the people of his Assembly constituency would also want his legacy to continue," she said.

Mayawati also indicated that the party was willing to support Singh's family in the political arena.

"He has a son and a married daughter. The entire family has always shown me great respect. If the family wishes, I will give his son an opportunity in politics and extend him full support. Though this is not the occasion to discuss such matters, I wanted to assure the family that the BSP stands with them," she said.

Recalling one of her last meetings with Singh, Mayawati said he had insisted on visiting her despite his ill health.

"I had told him that I would have come to his house instead, but he insisted on coming to see me. Such was his affection," she said.

Calling his demise as an irreparable loss, Mayawati said the BSP and the people of his constituency had lost a committed public representative.

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"Our party has suffered a great loss, and so have the people of his area.The BSP will continue to stand with his family and take full care of them," she added.

Singh's body will be taken to Ballia for the last rites.