Una (Himachal Pradesh) [India], February 11 : Top party leaders including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi have condoled the death of Himachal Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri's wife Professor Simmi Agnihotri.
56-year-old Simmi Agnihotri, head of Himachal Pradesh University's political science department, passed away on Friday evening after suffering a heart attack.
Agnihotri shared the news of his wife's demise on his social media handle late on Friday night. He had earlier in the day attended the cabinet meeting in Shimla and was on his way home when he was informed of his wife being unwell.
Along with leaders of Congress and BJP, administrative officials also visited Deputy CM's residence and paid last tributes.
Delhi Congress leader Alka Lamba, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and many other leaders also expressed grief.
Many leaders took to social media and condolend Simmi Agnihotri's sudden demise.
Rahul Gandhi also held a telephone conversation with Mukesh Agnihotri.
"The entire Congress leadership is with the bereaved family," he said
Appreciating Simmi Agnihotri for being a part of the education sector, Rahul Gandhi said that her demise created a hollow space that is difficult to fill.
Sympathising further with Himachal Pradesh's Deputy CM, Rahul Gandhi said, "The family is experiencing unbearable pain. May God grant strength to the family to bear this loss."
Rendering support to the family, Rahul Gandhi said, "I am always with the Mukesh Agnihotri and his family. This sorrow is shared by all of us."