Former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Ex MP and senior BJP leader Shri Sushil Kumar Modi is no more. He passed away at the age of 72 at AIIMS in New Delhi on 13 May, 2024. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
Expressing condolence on the leader’s demise, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said via X, “I am deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Sushil Modi ji, my valuable colleague in the party and my friend for decades. He has played an invaluable role in the rise and success of the BJP in Bihar. Strongly opposing the emergency, he made a name for himself in student politics. He was known as a very hardworking and sociable MLA. He had a deep understanding of the issues related to politics. He also did a lot of commendable work as an administrator. His active role in the passage of GST will always be remembered. My condolences are with his family and supporters in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!”
Later, Shri Narendra Modi visited the leader’s house in Patna and met the grief-ridden family members. He expressed again his feelings via X, Shri Modi wrote, “Every party worker in Bihar is feeling the absence of popular BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi. Today, after coming to Patna, I am also very emotional remembering him. I met his family members here and shared grief and pain.”
The BJP National President Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda condoled the leader’s demise. He said via X, “The news of the demise of senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Shri Sushil Modi ji is extremely sad. From Vidyarthi Parishad till now we have worked together for a long time for the organization. Sushil Modi ji’s entire life was dedicated to Bihar. Sushil Modi ji’s efforts have been very helpful in taking Bihar out of jungle raj and bringing it on the path of development. His absence is an irreparable loss for countless workers. May God grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the family. Om shanti!” Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda also visited Patna to pay floral tributes to the leader.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah said expressing condolence via X, “I am saddened by the news of the demise of our senior leader Sushil Kumar Modi ji. Today Bihar has lost a great pioneer of politics forever. From ABVP to BJP, Sushil ji has adorned many important positions in the organization and government. His politics was dedicated to the interests of the poor and the backward. The void that has emerged in Bihar politics due to his demise cannot be filled for a long time. In this hour of grief, the entire BJP stands with his bereaved family. May God give a place to the departed soul in his lotus feet. Om Shanti Shanti”
Expressing pain at the leader’s demise, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh said his long public life was dedicated to public service and the poor’s welfare. He worked hard to strengthen and popularise the BJP in Bihar, Shri Singh added. His development work in the state will always be remembered, he said.
Student politics served as the foundation for Sushil Modi’s dedication to serving society through politics. He was elected as Patna University Students’ Union General Secretary from ABVP. He played a significant role in the Jayaprakash Narayan-led campaign in Bihar in 1974 against Indira Gandhi’s emergency decree. During the emergency, he was imprisoned under the harsh MISA law.
After the Emergency, Shri Modi held various organizational positions in ABVP, including serving as its national general secretary. At various stages of his career, he was elected to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Assembly, and Legislative Council. As the Deputy Chief minister and Finance Minister of Bihar, Shri Modi played significant role in state’s economic progress.
Shri Modi’s appointment as the chairman of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers for the implementation of GST by the Congress-led UPA government was made possible by his ability to comprehend and navigate complex issues; this fact demonstrated a recognition of his political acumen and intellectual prowess.