Union Minister Ananth Kumar passed away in the wee hours of Monday, 12 November, in Bengaluru.
A prominent leader from Karnataka, 59-year-old Ananth Kumar was undergoing treatment for cancer in Bengaluru’s Shankara’s Cancer Hospital, reported The Times of India.
Prime Minister Modi also paid tribute to Kumar at his Bengaluru residence on Monday, 12 November.
The MP from south Bengaluru, who returned home in October after undergoing treatment in the US and Britain, breathed his last around 2 am with his wife Tejaswini and two daughters by his side, BR Nagaraj, chairperson of the board of trustees of Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation, told PTI.
The Union minister, who passed away from complications following cancer and infection, had been on the ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit for the last few days, his office said in a statement.
His mortal remains will be kept at his residence the entire day on Monday, 12 November and the last rites will be performed Tuesday, 13 November, the Karnataka unit of the BJP said.
The body will be taken to the state BJP office and the National College ground, which falls in his constituency, before the funeral at Chamarajapete crematorium, it said.
A three-day mourning has been declared in Karnataka, while a one-day holiday has been declared for Monday, 12 November. Kumar’s last rites will be performed with all government honour, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has announced.
Kumar, a five-time Member of Parliament, was heading two key ministries – Chemicals and Fertilisers, and Parliamentary Affairs.
Hours after Kumar’s death, Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the national flag will fly at half mast throughout the country on Monday, 12 November. A state funeral will also be accorded.
Kumar’s mortal remains will be kept at the National College in Bengaluru for last tributes, reported ANI.
He was currently serving his sixth term as a Member of Parliament. Kumar had also held several significant portfolios in the past like tourism, sports and youth affairs, culture, urban development and poverty alleviation.
Kumar represented Bengaluru South Constituency in the Lok Sabha since 1996, and won non-stop for six terms.
Born on 22 July 1959 in Bengaluru, Kumar got BA degree from KS Arts College, Hubli, affiliated to the Karnataka University. Later, he completed his Bachelors in Law (LLB) from JSS Law College, affiliated to the Karnataka University, ANI reported.
Kumar, survived by his wife and two daughters, was reportedly undergoing treatment for cancer in London, but these reports were termed as rumours by his office, said Bangalore Mirror.
PM Condoles Kumar’s Demise
Calling Kumar a remarkable leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the death of his cabinet minister and tweeted that Kumar, who entered public life at a young age, went on to serve society with utmost diligence and compassion.
Tragic Loss to Public life: President of India
President of India Ramnath Kovind called the demise of Kumar “a tragic loss to public life” and expressed condolences to Kumar’s family and relatives.
Kumar was a Seasoned Parliamentarian: Rajnath Singh
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also took to Twitter to express his condolences and said Kumar was “a seasoned parliamentarian who served the nation in several capacities.”
(With inputs from PTI.)
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