President Kovind, PM Modi condole Ananth Kumar's demise

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the demise of Union Minister Ananth Kumar.

Expressing condolences to Kumar's family, President Kovind said that 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.

Prime Minister Modi also took to Twitter to express sorrow saying, "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."

Remembering the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Prime Minister Modi said that Kumar was an able administrator and a great asset to the BJP organisation.

"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 added.

The Prime Minister further said that he spoke to Kumar's wife, Tejaswini and expressed condolences. "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.

The 59-year-old political leader, who was suffering from cancer, breathed his last at Shankar Cancer and Research Hospital in Bengaluru in the wee hours of Monday.

Union Home Minister also expressed shock over Kumar's demise and extended condolences to his family. "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," Singh tweeted.

He also said that Kumar's death is a big loss for the BJP and a personal loss for him.

Kumar was holding 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.

His mortal remains will be kept at National College in Bengaluru at 10 am for last tributes.