Union Minister Ananth Kumar passes away
Bengaluru: Union Minister Ananth Kumar passed away in Bengaluru in the wee hours of Monday. He was 59. The senior BJP leader was not keeping well for some time and was on ventilator for the last few days, reported PTI.
Kumar was serving as Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers since May 2014 and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs since July 2016 in the Narendra Modi government. He represented Bengaluru South Constituency in the Lok Sabha.
Deeply pained to hear about the untimely death of Uni.Minister and a dear friend #Ananthakumar.
A value-based politician, a pro people leader, who made a significant contribution to the country as an MP &Uni.Minister. I have lost a great friend.
May his soul rest in peace pic.twitter.com/FBRicd64M2— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) November 12, 2018
PM Modi said he spoke to Kumar’s wife Dr. Tejaswini and expressed condolences.
“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..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,” he tweeted.
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
BJP leaders expressed condolences on Kumar’s demise. “Absolutely shocked and pained by the demise of very senior colleague and a friend Shri Ananth Kumar ji. He was a seasoned parliamentarian who served the nation in several capacities. His passion and devotion for the welfare of people was commendable,” Home minister Rajnath Singh said.
“Deep sense of grief on hearing that Shri Ananth Kumar is no more with us. Served BJP all along. Bengaluru was in his head and heart, always. May God give his family the strength to bear with this loss,” Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted.
Deep sense of grief on hearing that Shri @AnanthKumar_BJP is no more with us. Served @BJP4India @BJP4Karnataka all along. Bengaluru was in his head and heart, always. May God give his family the strength to bear with this loss.
— Nirmala Sitharaman (Modi Ka Parivar) (@nsitharaman) November 12, 2018
Union Minister DV Sadananda Gowda also took to Twitter to express grief. “Shocked , it’s unbelievable , My friend , Brother Ananthkumar is no more,” he tweeted.
Shocked , it’s unbelievable , My friend , Brother Ananthkumar is no more . pic.twitter.com/zMOYEn7gXc
— Sadananda Gowda ( Modi Ka Parivar ) (@DVSadanandGowda) November 12, 2018