Union Minister Ananth Kumar, who passed away here in the early hours of Monday battling lung cancer, displayed initial symptoms this April with bouts of coughing. Even during a BJP rally here ahead of the Assembly elections in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part, Mr. Ananth Kumar was bogged down by coughing while he was translating the former’s speech.
He was diagnosed with lung cancer at an advanced stage in June and underwent initial treatment at Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre before heading to the U.S. for further treatment. He returned 25 days ago and continued treatment at Shankara hospital.
“He battled cancer fiercely. However, the infection had spread to other organs and he succumbed to the disease. His initial symptoms began with bouts of cough in April,” managing trustee of Shankara hospital B.N. Srinath said.
For the BJP, which was in shock over the sudden demise of Jayanagar MLA B.N. Vijaykumar and was preparing for the election in the constituency in June 2018, Mr. Ananth Kumar’s illness was another jolt.
“He developed an incessant cough during the campaign of Jayanagar election and went out midway. He was flown to AIIMS, Delhi, where he was diagnosed with lung cancer, which was already at an advanced stage,” said the former Deputy Chief Minister R. Ashok, a close associate of the deceased leader.
His last public appearance was in August 2018, to receive the ashes of the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and later to flag off relief material from the BJP to Kodagu. “He had become very weak by then,” said a senior partyman.
His health deteriorated further and he stopped not only making public appearances but also meeting anyone.
“He and his family did not like people meeting him in that state. He only met a few very close associates and all attempts for a meeting even by senior party leaders were turned down. He used to say that he would meet them when he was healthy again. Sadly, that day never came,” said a close associate.
“He was on life support at Shankara hospital for the last 12 days. Doctors had told the family that they were administering him with a new medicine, considered a medical breakthrough. Hopes were raised that his condition would improve.
On Sunday, doctors removed the life support for two hours after his vitals had stabilised.
Around 1.30 a.m. (on Monday), his blood pressure dropped suddenly and in a few minutes he breathed his last,” said a party leader.
During the last 10 days many political leaders visited the hospital, but were not allowed to see him. They returned after meeting his wife and other family members. The family was keen on maintaining his wish as Mr. Ananth Kumar did not like people seeing him in ill-health.
