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Headlines

Union Minister Ananth Kumar passes away in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Nov 12

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ananth Kumar died on Monday at a private hospital here due to multi-organ failure, a party spokesman said. He was 59.

"Kumar passed away at around 3 a.m. at Shankara Cancer Hospital in the city's southern suburb due to multi-organ failure three weeks after he was admitted on return from the US on October 21," party's spokesman S. Shantaram told IANS.

The Minister is survived by his widow Tejaswani and two daughters Aishwaraya and Vijayeta.

Kumar, who represented the Bengaluru South Lok Sabha constituency since 1996, had undergone treatment for cancer in the UK and US since August.

"Kumar first went to London after the monsoon session of Parliament in July-August for treatment and was shifted to another hospital in the US. The cancer spread to other parts of the body, resulting in multi-organ failure," added Shantaram.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday mourned the death of Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ananth Kumar in Bengaluru.

"Sad to hear of the passing of Union Minister and veteran parliamentarian 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," the President tweeted.

Kumar passed away on the wee hours of Monday at a private hospital in the city where he was being treated for cancer.

"Extremely saddened by the passing away of my valued colleague and friend, Ananth Kumar. 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," Modi said in a tweet.

He was an asset to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Modi said.

"He 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," the Prime Minister said in another tweet.

"I spoke to his wife, Dr Tejaswini and expressed condolences... My thoughts are with his entire family, friends and supporters in this hour of grief and sadness," he added.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also condoled Kumar's death.

"Absolutely shocked and pained by the demise of very senior colleague and a friend. He (Kumar) 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," Singh tweeted.