Former Union Minister passed away

Hyderabad February 27: Former Union Minister Punjala Shiv Shankar passed away on Monday in Hyderabad after fighting a long battle with illness.Many political leaders expressed their condolences over the demise of Shiv Shankar.Entering politics after being elected to Lok Sabha, he was also included in Rajya Sabha and the Union Cabinet. Having served as the Minister of External Affairs and Minister of Human Resource Development, deputy chairman of Planning Commission and Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, Shiv Shankar quit Congress in 2004 and joined Praja Rajyam Party formed by Telugu film actor Chiranjeevi.Later he kept away from politics because of ageism.Born on August 10, 1929, Shiv Shankar served as the Governor of Kerala and Sikkim. Shiv Shankar also contested in 1998 General elections from Tenali constituency.