PM Modi arrives at Ananth Kumar's residence to pay tributes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday arrived at the residence of former Union Minister Ananth Kumar here to pay his tributes. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader passed away in a Bengaluru hospital earlier today.

The 59-year-old held charge of two key ministries in the Union Cabinet - the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. He was suffering from pancreatic cancer and was receiving treatment at the Shankar Cancer and Research Hospital.

Prime Minister took to his Twitter handle and said, "In Bengaluru, I paid tributes to Shri Ananth Kumar Ji. We've lost an outstanding public servant, who had a positive impact on the lives of many. Also spent time with his family members."

The Prime Minister had also shared a condolence message earlier in the day.

"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," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

Condolences poured in from a host of BJP and opposition leaders following his demise. Meanwhile, the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular)-led Karnataka government declared a three-day mourning and a one-day holiday in the late Union Minister's honour.

Chief Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy said that Kumar's last rites will be performed with full government honours. Also, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the national flag will fly at half-mast throughout the country.