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Senior BJP leader and Union minister for chemicals, fertilisers and parliamentary affairs Shri Ananth Kumar passed away from complications following cancer and infections on November 12 at the age of 59. He had been admitted in a hospital in Bengaluru on November 12. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
On the demise of the Union minister leaders of the country offered their condolence to his family.
Shri Kumar was born in a middle-class family on July 22, 1959, in Bengaluru to Narayan Shastri, a railway employee, and Girija N Shastry. His early education began under the guidance of his mother, who was a graduate.
A graduate in arts and law, Shri Kumar’s journey into public life began due to his association with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, a student organisation which he served in various capacities, including as the state secretary and national secretary.
Shri Kumar joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1987 and went on to take up the responsibilities of the state secretary, state president of the Yuva Morcha, general secretary and national secretary.
He began his parliamentary career when he was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1996 from Bangalore South, the constituency which remained his strong fort till his passing away, by winning it for six consecutive times.
Shri Kumar, a six-time member of Parliament from the Bengaluru South constituency, held various portfolios in the governments led by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Shri Narendra Modi.
He was the youngest minister in Shri Vajpayee’s cabinet in 1998. He served as the civil aviation minister, as well as the minister for tourism, sports, youth affairs and culture, as well as urban development and poverty alleviation.
Shri Kumar won the 15th Lok Sabha election from Bengaluru South by defeating IT Czar Nandan Nilekani.
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.”
Shri Ram Nath Kovind, President of India
Grief stricken to learn about the untimely demise of the senior party leader. He served the nation and organisation with unparalleled zeal and dedication. Ananth ji worked tirelessly to strengthen the BJP in the state of Karnataka. Ananth ji was a remarkable administrator who served various ministerial portfolios. His passing away has left a void in the BJP and Indian polity that can not be filled soon. May God give his family and supporters strength to bear this tragic loss. My deepest condolences.
Shri Amit Shah, BJP National President
I am extremely shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of Union Minister Shri Ananth Kumar. Such an early age demise is even a bigger & irreparable loss to all of us and the country. Ananth Kumar was a very popular, dynamic leader of the poor and down trodden. He was a remarkable leader, who entered public life at a young age and had tremendous will power and had carved a special niche for himself in politics. He was a distinguished and outstanding Parliamentarian and had a forceful presence in the House. He played a significant role in the party.”
Shri L.K Advani, Former Deputy Prime Minister
Extremely pained by the sudden demise of Union Minister and my colleague, Shri Ananth Kumar Ji. He will always be remembered for his works as parliamentarian and a political leader. My thoughts & prayers are with his family. May God render peace to the departed soul. ॐ शांति.
Arun Jaitley, Union Finance Minister
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. 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. My thoughts are with his entire family, friends and supporters in this hour of grief and sadness. Om Shanti.
Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
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
M Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India
Absolutely shocked and pained by the demise of very senior colleague and a friend Shri Anant 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. My condolences to his family. My mind is filled with memories of working with Anant Kumar ji in the government and party organisation. These memories will stay with me. His demise is a big loss for the BJP. It is also a personal loss for me.
Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister
I am pained to know about the sad demise of Shri Ananth Kumar. He was like my younger brother. His death is a personal loss for me.
Sushma Swaraj, Union Minister of External Affairs