Ananth Kumar represented Bengaluru South in Lok Sabha. Kumar helped strengthen the BJP in the southern state. (File Photo) Ananth Kumar represented Bengaluru South in Lok Sabha. Kumar helped strengthen the BJP in the southern state. (File Photo)

Ananth Kumar, Union minister in the Narendra Modi cabinet and BJP’s leader in Karnataka, passed away in Bengaluru in the early hours of Monday. He was 59. Kumar had been battling lung cancer for several months. The senior BJP leader had been on a ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit for the last few days. The National Flag will fly at half mast throughout the country today and Kumar will be accorded a state funeral. A three-day state mourning has been declared in Karnataka.

Kumar breathed his last at around 2 am with his wife Tejaswini and two daughters by his bedside, Sankara Hospital Director Nagaraj told PTI. He returned to Bengaluru only recently after undergoing treatment in the United States and Britain. Read in Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil

Kumar served as Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers since May 2014 and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs since July 2016. He represented the Bengaluru South constituency in Lok Sabha. The state BJP said Kumar’s body will be kept at the National College Ground for public to pay their last respects.

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In his condolence message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Kumar worked hard to strengthen the party in Karnataka.

“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

President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed his condolences.

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

Ananth Kumar ahead of an all party meeting at Parliament House, New Delhi in July this year. The BJP leader and Union minister passed away at 2 am Monday morning. (File/Express Photo by Prem Nath Pandey) Ananth Kumar ahead of an all party meeting at Parliament House, New Delhi in July this year. The BJP leader and Union minister passed away at 2 am Monday morning. (File/Express Photo by Prem Nath Pandey)

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

“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.

“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, also from Karnataka, 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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