Union Fertilizer & Chemicals and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar died early Monday morning at a private hospital in Bengaluru. He was 59. Kumar was suffering from cancer and was under oxygen support since the past few days at the Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Bengaluru and died around 3 am.
He is survived by wife Tejaswani and two daughters Aishwaraya and Vijayeta.
#FLASH | Union Minister Ananth Kumar passes away at Bengaluru at the age of 59; 3-day mourning declared in Karnataka, tricolour to fly at half mast across the country today. pic.twitter.com/vKL93m10Bm
— NEWS LIVE (@NewsLiveGhy) November 12, 2018
The Karnataka government declared a three-day mourning and a public holiday today (Nov 12) as a mark of respect to the six-time MP from Bengaluru South Lok Sabha constituency. He will be cremated with State honour.
Meanwhile, condolences poured in from across the political spectrum with President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his other cabinet colleagues and other BJP leaders.
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
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) 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
Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswami and other Congress and Opposition leaders also condoled Union minister Ananth Kumar’s demise.
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
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Finance, Health and PWD Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and APCC president Ripun Bora also offered their condolences and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
Deeply saddened to learn about the untimely demise of Union Minister Ananth Kumar ji.
His dynamism, energy and dedication towards the people remains a shining example for all in public life. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and well wishers.
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) November 12, 2018
Extremely pained at the untimely demise of one of @BJP4India's tallest leaders and Union Minister Sri Ananth Kumar ji. He worked tirelessly for the party, and his commitment to welfare of people was supreme.
I join the family in their prayers. ॐ शान्ति। pic.twitter.com/EPJAxkwXPP
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) November 12, 2018
Sad to hear the untimely passing away of Union Minister Shri #AnanthKumar. My condolences to the bereaved family and wish they get the strength to cope with such a great loss. May his soul rest in peace @INCAssam
— Ripun Bora (@ripunbora) November 12, 2018
A party official said Kumar’s mortal remains will be kept at the National College grounds in Basavangudi, Karnataka, for people to pay homage while the last rites will be performed tomorrow (Nov 12).
