BJP, Opposition leaders condole Ananth Kumar's demise

From President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Union Minister Rajnath Singh and Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, politicians from various parties condoled the tragic demise of Union Minister Ananth Kumar, who breathed his last at a hospital in Bengaluru on Monday.

The 59-year-old political leader was suffering from pancreatic cancer and was being treated at Shankar Cancer and Research Hospital. Kumar held charge of two key ministries - Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, and Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs in the Union Cabinet. He is survived by two daughters- Aishwarya and Vijeta and wife.

"Sad to hear of the passing of Union minister and veteran parliamentarian 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.

Prime Minister Modi also took to Twitter to express his sorrow. He wrote, "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."

Conveying his heartfelt condolences to Kumar's family, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu said, "Felt very sad about the demise of #AnanthKumar. He was ill for some time, but never expected that this will happen. We were hoping he would recover and join back public service. I convey my heartfelt condolences to his wife and children."

BJP president Amit Shah stated, "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 cannot be filled soon. May God give his family & supporters strength to bear this tragic loss. My deepest condolences."

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that he is "shocked and pained" over the demise of Ananth Kumar.

"He was a seasoned parliamentarian who served nation in several capacities. His passion and devotion for welfare of people was commendable. My condolences to his family," Singh said.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, on the other hand, said that he has lost a great friend.

"I have lost a great friend in his (Ananth Kumar) death. He was a value based politician, who made significant contribution to country as MP and Union Minister. May his soul rest in peace and may God give strength to his family and his followers to endure this loss," Kumaraswamy said.

Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman too expressed her condolences and 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."

Meanwhile, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar stated that Ananth Kumar's death is not only a huge loss for the nation but also a personal loss for him.

"Death of Ananth Kumar Ji is a huge loss for the country and also a personal loss. He was a great friend and guide for all of us. In recent Karnataka elections, we worked in and out and his sudden death is shocking. We'll participate in his last rites in Bengaluru," he said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed his grief, saying that Ananth Kumar would be remembered as a good administrator and a popular leader.

"It's a shocking incident. This is a huge loss for the government as well as the party. #AnanthKumar Ji will be remembered as a good administrator & popular leader. I pay tribute to him on the behalf of Uttar Pradesh government," he said.

Besides them, Congress president Rahul Gandhi also took to Twitter and wrote, "I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Union Minister Ananth Kumar Ji, in Bengaluru, earlier this morning. My condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti."

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "Very sad to hear about the sad demise of Shri Ananth Kumar ji. My heartfelt condolences to the family. May his Soul rest in peace."

Ananth Kumar's mortal remains will be kept at National College in Bengaluru at 10 am for last tributes.