Bengaluru, November 25: Former Union railway minister and senior Congress leader C K Jaffer Sharief passed away on Sunday morning at a hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Sharief was 85 years old. Former Union Minister and Congress Leader Jaffer Sharief Dies at 85.

On Saturday evening, another senior Congress leader from Karnataka and noted Kannada actor Ambareesh passed away in Bengaluru. Ambareesh Dies at 66: Former Congress Leader and Kannada Actor Breathes his last at Bengaluru Hospital.

President Ram Nath Kovind expressed his condolence in a message on Twitter and wrote "Sorry to hear of the passing of veteran political figure Shri C.K. Jaffer Sharief, who served the nation in many capacities including as Railway Minister. My condolences to his family members and associates in Karnataka and elsewhere."

Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted about the passing away of the senior leader and wrote, “It is a day of tragedy for the Congress party, with another senior, loved & respected member of our family in Karnataka, Shri Jaffer Sharief Ji, passing away today. My condolences to his family, friends & supporters in their time of grief.”

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted "Condolences on the sad demise of Shri C. K. Jaffer Sharief ji, a veteran leader & an exceptional parliamentarian. May God give strength to the bereaved family and supporters. May the departed soul rest in peace."

C K Jaffer Sharief, born on November 3, 1933 in Challakere village, Chitradurga district of Karnataka, was one of the senior most leaders from the Congress party. He was also a seven time MP (Member of Parliament) from Bengaluru North. Jaffer was the Railway Minister from 1991 to 1995.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 25, 2018 03:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).