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Ananth Kumar died at 2 am today in Karnataka capital Bengaluru
New Delhi:
Union minister and senior BJP leader Ananth Kumar died at 2 am this morning at a hospital in Karnataka capital Bengaluru at the age of 59. The union minister was suffering from cancer. He had returned last month after undergoing treatment at a cancer institute in US’ New York city. Mr Kumar’s wife Tejaswini and his two daughters were with him in his last moments. His body will be kept at Bengaluru’s National College for last tributes. He was one of the few ministers to have served in the earlier NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
A five-time Member of Parliament or MP from Bengluru constituency, Ananth Kumar held charge of two key ministries — Chemicals and Fertilizers since May 2014 and Parliamentary Affairs since July 2016 in the Narendra Modi government. Several leaders have taken to social media to express grief over his death.
President Ram Nath Kovind expressed grief over Ananth Kumar’s death, saying the passing of the “veteran” parliamentarian was “a tragic loss to public life in our country and particularly for the people of Karnataka.”
PM Narendra Modi said Ananth Kumar was “a remarkable leader” who “went on to serve society with utmost diligence and compassion”.
Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said Mr Kumar made significant contribution to the country as a politician and his work made him popular among Bengalureans. “Our families had a friendship beyond politics. He always valued and had given priority to friendship. I have lost a great friend in his death,” the chief minister added.
Here are the tributes pouring in over Ananth Kumar’s death:
“His dynamism, energy and dedication towards the people remains a shining example for all in public life. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and well wishers,” Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.
Union minister Ananth Kumar’s body will be moved to Bengaluru’s National College grounds for public tributes.
Ananth Kumar’s family is still deciding whether to hold his funeral today or tomorrow.
“Saddened at the passing away of Ananth Kumar ji, six time MP and Union cabinet minister. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and supporters,” Mamata Banerjee said in a tweet.
Saddened at the passing away of Ananth Kumar ji, six time MP and Union cabinet minister. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and supporters
– Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 12, 2018
There will be a three-day mourning over the death of union minister Ananth Kumar today, according to news agency ANI. A one-day holiday has been declared for today, news agency ANI said, quoting the union home ministry.
To condole the death of union minister Ananth Kumar, it has been decided that he will be accorded a state funeral. The National Flag will also be flown at half mast across the country today.
“Kumar’s pro-people attitude and activities made him apple of the eye of Bengalurians,” Mr Kumaraswamy said in a condolence message, according to PTI.
“Our families had a friendship beyond politics. He always valued and had given priority to friendship. I have lost a great friend in his death,” he said.
Amit Shah expressed his grief over union minister Ananth Kumar’s death, in a series of tweets. “I am grief stricken to learn about the untimely demise of our senior leader and union minister Shri Ananth Kumar ji,” Amit Shah said in a tweet.
I am grief stricken to learn about the untimely demise of our senior leader and union minister Shri Ananth Kumar ji. He served the nation and organisation with unparalleled zeal and dedication. Ananth ji worked tirelessly to strengthen the BJP in the state of Karnataka.
– Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 12, 2018
Ananth ji was a remarkable administrator who served various ministerial portfolios. His passing away has left a void in the BJP and Indian polity that can not be filled soon. May God give his family & supporters strength to bear this tragic loss. My deepest condolences. Om Shanti
– Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 12, 2018
Arvind Kejriwal tweeted over the death of union minister Ananth Kumar.
“Very sad to hear about the sad demise of Sh Anant Kumar ji. My heartfelt condolences to the Family. May his Soul rest in peace,” he tweeted.
Very sad to hear about the sad demise of Sh Anant Kumar ji. My heartfelt condolences to the Family. May his Soul rest in peace.
– Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 12, 2018
“Ananth Kumar Ji was an able administrator, who handled many ministerial portfolios and was a great asset to the BJP organisation. He worked hard to strengthen the Party in Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru and surrounding areas. He was always accessible to his constituents,” he said in a series of tweets.
Extremely saddened by the passing away of my valued colleague and friend, Shri Ananth Kumar Ji. He was a remarkable leader, who entered public life at a young age and went on to serve society with utmost diligence and compassion. He will always be remembered for his good work.
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2018
Ananth Kumar Ji was an able administrator, who handled many ministerial portfolios and was a great asset to the BJP organisation. He worked hard to strengthen the Party in Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru and surrounding areas. He was always accessible to his constituents.
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2018
I spoke to his wife, Dr. Tejaswini Ji and expressed condolences on the passing away of Shri Ananth Kumar Ji. My thoughts are with his entire family, friends and supporters in this hour of grief and sadness. Om Shanti.
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2018
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