Politicians Express Grief Over Union Minister Ananth Kumar’s Death

Politicians across the spectrum took to Twitter to express grief over the passing away of Ananth Kumar.

Union Minister Ananth Kumar passed away in the early hours of Monday, 12 November, in Bengaluru.

The demise of the 59-year-old political leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who had not been keeping well for the past few months shocked political leaders across the spectrum.

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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.

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2018

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2018

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

Tragic Loss to Public Life: President Kovind

President of India Ramnath Kovind took to Twitter to condole the death of Ananth Kumar.

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

Deeply saddened by the passing away of Shri Ananth Kumar. He served the nation with great distinction and always strove for the welfare of downtrodden. His death is a personal loss to me. My condolences to bereaved family members. #AnanthKumar pic.twitter.com/qXd8xL2aW1

— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) November 12, 2018

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy also expressed grief over Kumar’s death.

"Our families had a friendship beyond politics. He always valued and had given priority to friendship. I have lost a great friend in his death,” he acknowledged.

A statement from Karnataka CM’s office described him as a value-based politician, who made significant contribution to the country as an MP and Union minister. 

BJP party president Amit Shah lauded Kumar’s efforts for “strengthening the party presence in Karnataka”.

I am grief stricken to learn about the untimely demise of our senior leader and union minister Shri Ananth Kumar ji. He served the nation and organisation with unparalleled zeal and dedication. Ananth ji worked tirelessly to strengthen the BJP in the state of Karnataka.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 12, 2018

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”.

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

Shocked to learn about the untimely demise of my good friend, valued colleague, popular leader and Union Minister Ananth Kumar Ji.
My profound condolences!
ॐ शांति!

— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) November 12, 2018

I am deeply saddened by the news of Shri Ananth Kumar ji's sudden demise. Ananth ji was respected across party lines and was a guiding light for all of us. My thoughts are with his family in this hour of grief.

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) November 12, 2018

Big Personal Loss: Union Min Prakash Javadekar

Union Minister for Human Resource and Development Prakash Javadekar termed Kumar’s death as an irreparable loss in his tweet.

Passing away of Ananth Kumar Ji is not only an irreparable loss for the country but a big personal loss. It is unbelievable that he is no more. His sudden death has taken away from us a true soldier of the country. My tributes to the departed soul. @BJP4India @BJP4Karnataka

— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) November 12, 2018

Absolutely shocked and shaken by the passing away of our very respected senior colleague Sh Ananth Kumar ji. It is just difficult to believe that he has suddenly left from our midst. pic.twitter.com/s7UmqOAB20

— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) November 12, 2018

I am deeply pained at the demise of senior Union Minister and a dedicated socio-political activist Shri Ananth Kumar Ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family and well wishers.

— Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi (@naqvimukhtar) November 12, 2018

Deeply saddned to learn about the untimely demise of our valued colleague and Union Minister Shri #AnanthKumar Ji. Ananth Kumar Ji was respected across party lines. My thoughts are with his family in this hour of grief.
Profound condolences! pic.twitter.com/woh1lLPrju

— Harsimrat Kaur Badal (@HarsimratBadal_) November 12, 2018

Shocked and deeply pained by the sudden and untimely demise of our leader Union Minister #AnanthKumar ji.
His contribution towards society, service to the people will be remembered forever.
My deepest condolences to his family, friends, followers, karyakarta.

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) November 12, 2018

Tdy is a sad sad day - my brother, my friend, my mentor @AnanthKumar_BJP passes away. He was family to me - He was one of my few real friends in politics n a genuinely good human being ! I will miss him hugely 🙏🏻😢😢 #OmShanthi n Farewell my dear friend. U left too soon. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

— Rajeev Chandrasekhar (@rajeev_mp) November 12, 2018

May His Soul Rest in Peace: Rahul Gandhi

Members of Opposition also took to Twitter to express condolences to the bereaved family.

I’m sorry to hear about the passing of Union Minister, Shri Ananth Kumar ji, in Bengaluru, earlier this morning. My condolences to his family & friends. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 12, 2018

Extremely sad to hear about the untimely death of Union minister Shri @AnanthKumar_BJP ji. My sincere condolences to his family, friends & supporters.

This is a big loss for the people of the state, #AnanthKumar ji’s demise has left a big void in Karnataka politics. pic.twitter.com/9pQF7MzW7H

— Rizwan Arshad (@ArshadRizwan) November 12, 2018