Political bigwigs bid adieu to Murli Deora

On Monday, political leaders from across the spectrum put aside their differences and congregated in Mumbai to bid adieu to Congress stalwart Murli Deora, who died after suffering from cancer.

The 77-year-old leader breathed his last at 3.25 am, according to family members.

A truck carrying the late Murli Deora's body makes it way through the streets. Mourners and followers of the Congress leader came out in big numbers to pay their respects. 

Congress president Sonia Gandhi offered floral tributes to Deora. Deora was known for his close ties with the Gandhi family. 

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi also was present at the sombre event and was snapped offering his condolences to Deora's sons -- Mukul and Milind. 

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray was also present at the event to pay his respects. 

Priya Dutt and her husband Owen Roncon were present at the event. Earlier in the day, Priya said, "His passing away is a great loss. He was a great support to me and contributed tremendously to party."

Priyanka Gandhi and husband Robert Vadra also made it for the cremation ceremony. 

Power and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal also attended the cremation ceremony and laid a wreath of flowers at the body. 

Other Congress ministers such as Gurudas Kamat were also present and mourned the loss of India's longest serving petroleum minister. 

Narayan Rane was also seen at the sombre ceremony. 

BJP's Vinod Tawde, a prominent face in Maharashtra politics, also paid tributes to the Congress stalwart. 

Thousands of other supporters also turned up to pay their respects and were seen in the crowds. 

The body of Murli Deora being held by police officers at the cremation grounds. 

Photographs: Sahil Salvi

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