BJP MP Ananth Kumar dies of cancer at age 59 – Watch Video

Bengaluru: Senior BJP leader and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar died early on Monday morning at a private hospital. He was 59.

The minister had been battling cancer and had only returned from treatment at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, in October.

PTI quoted BJP spokesperson, Prakash as saying that the minister passed away at around 4 AM on Monday.

Minister Kumar is survived by his wife Tejaswini and two daughters, who were all with him at the time of his death, the spokesperson added.

His untimely death has been condoled by many across the political spectrum.

President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted his condolences saying, “Sad to hear of the passing away 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.”

Condoling his death, Prime Minister Modi tweeted, “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.”

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also condoled his death tweeting, “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.”

Responding to the minister’s demise, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said that as a politician, Kumar had contributed a lot to the country and he was popular among the Bengalureans for his work. Speaking about their personal relationship, HDK said that Kumar always gave priority to friendship and that he had lost a great friend.

Kumar’s body will be kept at the National College in Bengaluru for paying last respects.

Ananth Kumar was a BJP leader who was elected to the Lok Sabha from the South Bengaluru constituency. He has helmed two ministries- Chemicals and Fertilizers since May 2014 and Parliamentary Affairs since July 2016.

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