Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, and Chemicals and Fertilizers H.N. Ananth Kumar, also a senior BJP leader from the State passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru in the wee hours of Monday. He was 59.
According to the hospital, Mr Kumar was diagnosed with lung cancer at an advanced stage in June. He underwent initial treatment in Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre and then went to the US for further treatment. He returned 25 days ago and continued treatment in the hospital.
Hospital Managing Trustee B N Srinath told The Hindu that he battled cancer fiercely, however, the infection had spread to other organs and he succumbed to the disease. He breathed his last around 2 am on Monday. His wife Tejashwini and both daughters were beside him.
Mr. Kumar's body will be kept for public viewing at National College Grounds, Basavanagudi at 11 am and he will be cremated on Tuesday. Prime minister Narendra Modi is expected to pay his respects and participate in the funeral.
The State government has announced holiday for all schools and colleges on Monday, as a mark of respect for the leader. The State will observe three-day mourning and accord state funeral.
A six-time member of parliament from Bengaluru South Lok Sabha seat, Mr. Kumar was representing it continuously since 1996.
An RSS worker, Mr. Kumar was arrested during Emergency.
He held civil aviation, urban development and tourism portofolios in Atal Bihari Vajpayee cabinet during 1999-2004. He was State president of BJP during 2004 Assembly elections when the party for the first time emerged as the single largest party in the State. He was a national General Secretary of BJP for nine years.
Mr. Kumar and former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa were two prominent leaders credited with building the BJP in Karnataka. Mr. Yeddyurappa, in a condolence message, said that he had lost "a personal friend" and Mr. Kumar had gone away at a young age leaving him alone.
Relatives and friends pay their last respects to Union Minster H.N. Ananth Kumar at his residence at Basavanagudi in Bengaluru on Monday.
PM condoles demise
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman condoled the demise of Mr. Kumar.
“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,” Mr. Modi 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,” Ms. Sitharaman tweeted.
