Union Minister Ananth Kumar passes away at 59

Union Minister Ananth Kumar passed away in Bengaluru on Monday early morning at the age of 59. It is to be noted that the senior BJP leader was diagnosed with cancer and was on a ventilator for the last few days.

Kumar’s wife Tejaswini and his two daughters were with him in his last moments. His mortal remains will be kept at National College in Bengaluru for last tributes. 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.

He was one of the few ministers to have served in the earlier NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In fact, he was the youngest minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s cabinet in 1998 and served as the Civil Aviation Minister, also Minister for Tourism, Sports, Youth Affairs and Culture, Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation. He is also remembered as the first person to speak in Kannada in the United Nations.

Prime Minister Narendra 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

“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,” President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted.

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 #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 12, 2018

Karnataka Chief Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy said he has “lost a great friend in his death.”

“Deeply pained to hear about the untimely death of Union Minister and a dear friend Ananth Kumar. A value-based politician, a pro-people leader, who made a significant contribution to the country as an MP and Union Minister. I have lost a great friend. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.

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

BJP leaders took to Twitter to express condolences.

“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.

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.

— राजनाथ सिंह (@rajnathsingh) November 12, 2018

My mind is filled with memories of working with Anant Kumar ji in the government and party organisation. These memories will stay with me. His demise is a big loss for the BJP. It is also a personal loss for me.

— राजनाथ सिंह (@rajnathsingh) November 12, 2018

“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 (@nsitharaman) November 12, 2018

Union Minister DV Sadananda Gowda tweeted “Shocked, it’s unbelievable , My friend , Brother Ananthkumar is no more.”

Shocked , it’s unbelievable , My friend , Brother Ananthkumar is no more . pic.twitter.com/zMOYEn7gXc

— Sadananda Gowda (@DVSBJP) November 12, 2018

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