Kolkata, Aug 30 (IANS) Politicians and industry honchos in West Bengal Saturday mourned the death of eminent industrialist and former Rajya Sabha member Krishna Kumar Birla.Information and Broadcasting Minister and Congress leader Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi recalled how Birla extended a helping hand to the government during every crisis.

“He was an illustrious son of India. He helped the government in every crisis,” said Dasmunsi, who rushed to the nonagenarian’s Birla Park residence to offer his condolences.

Ambuja Realty Development Ltd chairman Harshavardhan Neotia said Birla was a great human being and philanthropist.

“He was a doyen of Indian industry and a great human being and philanthropist. He made valuable contributions as a parliamentarian and his political speeches on economic matters are priceless,” Neotia said.

Describing Birla as a nation builder, Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry president and Patton Ltd managing director Sanjay Budhia said: “His death is an irreparable loss to the business community as well as society. He made India proud during its difficult times. He was a nation builder.”

Ruia Group chairman Pawan Kumar Ruia said: “Fortunately, I am working in the same city where K.K. Birla worked so long. I have seen him working intensely till the last phase of life. He was a man of great substance. I have seen very few people so much in love with work.”

Birla died Saturday at his city residence after a brief illness.

A large number of people from all walks of life visited Birla Park where his body was kept. Among the visitors were West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sushma Swaraj and former city mayor Subrata Mukherjee.

Birla was cremated at 3.30 p.m. at the Keoratala burning ghat in the presence of family members, close friends, industry captains and politicians.