Politicians across party lines have condoled the death of Union minister and senior BJP leader Ananth Kumar. Kumar died early Monday morning at a private hospital in Bengaluru. Parliamentary Affairs and Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister, Kumar, 59, was suffering from cancer and was not keeping well for some time. He was also kept on a ventilator for the past few days, ministry officials said. He was a BJP MP from the South Bengaluru constituency.
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Expressing condolences to Kumar's family, President Kovind said that the minister's death is a tragic loss to public life in the country and for the people of Karnataka.
"Sad to hear of the passing of Union minister and veteran parliamentarian Shri H.N. Ananth Kumar. This is a tragic loss to public life in our country and particularly for the people of Karnataka. My condolences to his family, colleagues and countless associates," the President tweeted.
On Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Kumar a remarkable leader and an able administrator. "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," he tweeted.
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“He worked hard to strengthen the party in Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru and surrounding areas. He was always accessible to his constituents,” Modi said. “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 said.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief over Kumar’s death. “I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Union Minister, Shri Ananth Kumar ji, in Bengaluru, earlier this morning. My condolences to his family & friends. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti,” Rahul tweeted.
Calling Ananth Kumar a great friend, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said, “I have lost a great friend in his death. He was a value-based politician, who made significant contribution to country as member of parliament and union minister. May his soul rest in peace and may God give strength to his family and his followers to endure this loss,” he said.
BJP President Amit Shah called Kumar a remarkable administrator. His passing away has left a void in BJP, he said.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while expressing grief over his death 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.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, "absolutely shocked and pained by the demise of very senior colleague and a friend Shri Anant 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. My condolences to his family."
Calling Kumar an admired social worker, Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar said, "Ananth Kumar Ji was a hardworking politician and an admired social worker. He had a huge contribution in Karnataka politics. He will be always remembered for his good work. His demise is saddening."
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