Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to express grief over the demise of senior Congress leader and former Meghalaya Governor MM Jacob.

According to reports, Jacob was suffering from age-related illnesses and breathed his last at a private hospital in Kottayam, Kerala, on Sunday. He was 92.

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The PM recognised Jacob’s contribution to the nation and his work for the development of Kerala.

“Saddened by the demise of former Meghalaya Governor Mr. MM Jacob. He made notable contributions to the nation as a Parliamentarian, Minister and Governor,” said the PM.

“He worked extensively for the development of Kerala. My thoughts are with his family and well-wishers in this sad hour,” PM Modi added.

Saddened by the demise of former Meghalaya Governor Mr. MM Jacob. He made notable contributions to the nation as a Parliamentarian, Minister and Governor. He worked extensively for the development of Kerala. My thoughts are with his family and well-wishers in this sad hour: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 8, 2018

Kerala Governor Justice (Retd) P Sathasivam, too, expressed his condolences.

“In the sad demise of Shri.M.M.Jacob,  we have lost an eminent statesman  whose stature was marked by humility.  As Governor , Minister of State, Dy Chairman- Rajya Sabha etc he served with the remarkable efficiency of a silent performer. May his soul RIP #MMJacob #Meghalaya,” wrote the Governor on Twitter.

In the sad demise of Shri.M.M.Jacob, we have lost an eminent statesman whose stature was marked by humility. As Governor , Minister of State, Dy Chairman- Rajya Sabha etc he served with the remarkable efficiency of a silent performer. May his soul RIP #MMJacob #Meghalaya

— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) July 8, 2018

“CM Pinarayi Vijayan condoled over the demise of former Minister and Congress leader M.M. Jacob. A product of the Independence movement, Shri M.M. Jacob was also an exemplary parliamentarian,” read a statement posted by the official Twitter handle of the Kerala Chief Minister’s Office.

CM Pinarayi Vijayan condoled over the demise of former Minister and Congress leader M.M. Jacob. A product of the Independence movement, Shri M.M. Jacob was also an exemplary parliamentarian. pic.twitter.com/MlqhVsTsCb

— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) July 8, 2018

Born on 9 August 1927 at Ramapuram in present day Kottayam district, Jacob served as the Governor of Meghalaya from 1995 to 2007. For a very brief period in 2007, Jacob was the acting Governor of Arunachal Pradesh.

He was also the first person from Kerala to serve as the Deputy Chairperson of the Upper House, a position he held for two terms – 1982 and 1986.

He also held various Union Ministry portfolios, including Home Affairs, under former Prime Ministers Rajiv Gandhi and PV Narashima Rao.

Jacob never retired from active politics and continued taking part in the meetings in Kerala. He settled in Palai, where his last rites would be held on Monday.

The Kerala unit of the Congress party has cancelled all official programmes for Sunday and Monday.