Ananth Kumar died at 2 am today in Karnataka capital Bengaluru
Union minister and senior BJP leader Ananth Kumar died at 2 am this morning at a hospital in Karnataka capital Bengaluru at the age of 59. The union minister was suffering from cancer. He had returned last month after undergoing treatment at a cancer institute in US' New York city. Mr Kumar's wife Tejaswini and his two daughters were with him in his last moments. His body will be kept at Bengaluru's National College for last tributes. He was one of the few ministers to have served in the earlier NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
A five-time Member of Parliament or MP from Bengluru constituency, Ananth Kumar held charge of two key ministries -- Chemicals and Fertilizers since May 2014 and Parliamentary Affairs since July 2016 in the Narendra Modi government. Several leaders have taken to social media to express grief over his death.
President Ram Nath Kovind expressed grief over Ananth Kumar's death, saying the passing of the "veteran" parliamentarian was "a tragic loss to public life in our country and particularly for the people of Karnataka."
PM Narendra Modi said Ananth Kumar was "a remarkable leader" who "went on to serve society with utmost diligence and compassion".
Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said Mr Kumar made significant contribution to the country as a politician and his work made him popular among Bengalureans. "Our families had a friendship beyond politics. He always valued and had given priority to friendship. I have lost a great friend in his death," the chief minister added.
Here are the tributes pouring in over Ananth Kumar's death:
Union Minister JP Nadda and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan pay their tributes to Union Minister Ananth Kumar at his residence in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
PM Modi visits the house of Ananth Kumar in Bengaluru.
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar condoled Ananth Kumar's death:
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condoled the death of Union Minister Ananth Kumar, saying he was a "popular leader" who had a "deep attachment" with the masses.
In a statement, Yogi Adityanath said, "Ananth Kumar was a popular leader, and had deep attachment with the public. He had effectively discharged his responsibilities pertaining to the organisation and government."
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya in a tweet condoled the senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader's demise, terming it as an "irreparable loss" for the saffron party.
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik expressed grief over the Ananth Kumar death.
Describing him as a "diligent leader" who devoted his life to public service, Mr Malik said it would be difficult to fill the void left by Ananth Kumar in the country's politics.
The governor prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family in its hour of grief, an official release said.
RSS Dakshin Madhya Kshetra Sanghachalak V Niagara lauded Ananth Kumar for his "wonderful" job as union chemicals and fertilisers minister by introducing neem coated fertilisers, thus putting an end to shortage of manure.
"Ananth Kumar's death is an irreparable loss to the nation. It is indeed a big vacuum in politics as well as to the philanthropic services he rendered," he said in a statement.
RSS Dakshin Kshetra Sahkaryavah N Thippeswamy recalled Ananth Kumar's role as a Swayamsevak and his active participation in the fight against emergency.
RSS Karnataka unit leaders Ma Venkataramu Dagestan Pattanashetti also paid rich tributes to Kumar.
BJP lawmaker Bandaru Dattatreya said Ananth Kumar had rendered yeoman's services as a Union Minister in the NDA governments led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi.
He also hailed the services of Ananth Kumar to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Telangana Caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao condoled the death of Union Minister Ananth Kumar.
Mr Rao remembered Ananth Kumar's services as a parliamentarian and political leader and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family, a release from his office said.
The BJP's Tamil Nadu state President Tamilisai Soundararajan, said Ananth Kumar's demise was not only a loss for the party's Karnataka unit, but also for the country.
He "efficiently coordinated" Parliament's affairs and was instrumental in the BJP's growth in south India, she said on Twitter.
"He was a guide for Tamil Nadu BJP unit," she added.
MK Stalin, Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu state assembly, condoled Ananth Kumar's death.
"Very sad to hear the demise of Union Minister Thiru (Mr) Ananth Kumar. My sincere condolences to his family and near ones," the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader said in a tweet.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami condoled the death of Union Minister Ananth Kumar.
Mr Palaniswami said Ananth Kumar had joined politics at a young age with the aim of doing public service.
"He had the distinction of being elected MP for six times from Bengaluru South from 1996 to 2014," he said in a statement, expressing sympathy with the leader's family.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed profound grief over Ananth Kumar's death.
"Union minister Ananth Kumar's death is a saddening incident. His death has caused an irreparable loss to the politics. Kumar was an energetic, hardworking and a noted social worker. He had significant contributions to Karnataka's politics," Kumar said in a statement.
The Chief Minister prayed to the almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family relatives, followers and fans to bear the loss, the statement said.
The body of union minister Ananth Kumar will be brought to Karnataka BJP office at 8 AM on Tuesday. It will be kept for public darshan till 10 AM in Malleshwaram state BJP office.
The body will be shifted to National College Grounds at 10 AM.
Cremation will take place at 1 PM in Chamarajpet TR Mill crematorium.
"Steadfast Swayamsevak": RSS pays tributeto Ananth Kumar
The RSS today paid tribute to Ananth Kumar. In a tweet, the RSS' sarkaryavah Suresh Joshi, said, "A socially committed popular leader and a steadfast swayamsevak, Sri Anantha Kumar has left us. Our deepest condolences to the family. We pray that the Almighty may grant them the strength to bear this unbearable loss."
"We had known each other for a long time," says Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje
Vasundhara Raje expressed her grief over the death of union minister Vasundhara Raje.
"Today I'm really saddened.We had known each other for a long time, we came to Yuva Morcha together. Ananth Kumar was a dedicated, sympathetic & hardworking politician. That is a very hardworking combination to find. We'll miss him in the time to come," Vasundhara Raje said, according to news agency ANI.
"His advise & words of wisdom will always keep motivating me," Kiren Rijiju condoles death of Ananth Kumar
"I'm shocked by the passing away of my senior colleague and senior BJP leader Shri Ananth Kumar Ji. As a good human being & as a leader he carried an impeccable record in serving the society. His advise & words of wisdom will always keep motivating me. May his soul rest in peace," minister Kiren Rijiju said in a tweet.
"An able administrator and popular leader," says N Chandrababu Naidu
Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu tweeted his condolences, saying he was "deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Union Minister H.N. Ananth Kumar ji, an able administrator and popular leader. My condolences to the bereaved family in their hour of grief."
"Deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and colleagues": Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Ananth Kumar's death
BS Yeddyurappa tweeted images of him paying his last respects to Ananth Kumar
"His contribution towards society, service to people will be remembered forever": Devendra Fadnavis pays tribute to Ananth Kumar
"Ananth Kumar was a very popular, dynamic leader," says LK Advani
Condoling the death of union minister LK Advani was quoted by news agency ANI as saying that he was "extremely shocked an saddened by the untimely demise of union minister Ananth Kumar."
"Ananth Kumar was a very popular, dynamic leader of the poor & downtrodden. May the departed soul rest in peace," he said.
Arun Jaitley On Ananth Kumar: "He will be remembered for his works as parliamentarian and a political leader"
Arun Jaitley tweeted to pay his respects to Ananth Kumar. In the tweet, he said,"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."
Karanataka Governor Vajubhai Vala pays his last respects to Ananth Kumar
Karnataka governor Vajubhai Vala paid his last respects to union minister Ananth Kumar.
"Heartfelt condolences": BJP pays tribute to Ananth Kumar
"He was like my younger brother": Sushma Swaraj condoles Ananth Kumar's death
Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj said in a tweet that she was "pained" to know about Ananth Kumar's death. "His death is a personal loss for me," she tweeted.
"I am under deep grief": Karnataka BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa expresses grief over Ananth Kumar's death
Senior BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa tweeted expressing shock and grief over the death of union minister Ananth Kumar.
"I am under deep grief to hear about the untimely demise of my friend and union minister Shri Ananth Kumar ji. He worked tirelessly to strengthen the BJP in Karnataka and nation. May his soul rest in peace and God give strength to bear his loss to his family," he said in the tweet.
Union minister Ananth Kumar's last rites will be held on Tuesday. Schools, colleges and government offices in Karnataka will remain closed today.
National Flag draped over casket carrying body of union minister Ananth Kumar
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar condoles Ananth Kumar's death: "Hardworking politician & an admired social worker"
"Ananth Kumarji was a hardworking politician & an admired social worker. He had a huge contribution in Karnataka politics. He will be always remembered for his good work. His demise is saddening," Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar said, according to news agency ANI.
Smriti Irani condoles Ananth Kumar's death: "Dedicated his entire life towards strengthening BJP
"Saddened by the untimely demise of Ananth Kumar ji who dedicated his entire life towards strengthening BJP & in the service of the Nation. My deepest condolences to his family & loved ones in this hour of grief. Om Shanti," union minister Smriti Irani said in a tweet.
Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal condoles Ananth Kumar's death
"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," Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.
Ananth Kumar's body to be moved to Bengaluru's National College grounds for public tributes
Union minister Ananth Kumar's body will be moved to Bengaluru's National College grounds for public tributes.
Ananth Kumar's family is still deciding whether to hold his funeral today or tomorrow.
West Bengal chief minister Mamta Banerjee tweets over Ananth Kumar's death
"Saddened at the passing away of Ananth Kumar ji, six time MP and Union cabinet minister. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and supporters," Mamata Banerjee said in a tweet.
1-day holiday declared today, 3-day mourning declared in Karnataka over Ananth Kumar's death: news agency ANI
There will be a three-day mourning over the death of union minister Ananth Kumar today, according to news agency ANI. A one-day holiday has been declared for today, news agency ANI said, quoting the union home ministry.
State funeral for Ananth Kumar, National Flag to fly at half mast throughout the country
To condole the death of union minister Ananth Kumar, it has been decided that he will be accorded a state funeral. The National Flag will also be flown at half mast across the country today.
An "apple of the eye of Bengalurians": Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy expresses grief over Ananth Kumar's death
Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Monday expressed grief over the death of Union Minister Ananth Kumar, describing him as a "value based" politician who made significant contribution to the country as a parliamentarian and an union minister, according to news agency Press Trust of India.
"Kumar's pro-people attitude and activities made him apple of the eye of Bengalurians," Mr Kumaraswamy said in a condolence message, according to PTI.
"Our families had a friendship beyond politics. He always valued and had given priority to friendship. I have lost a great friend in his death," he said.
Ananth Kumar: BJP chief Amit Shah, in a series of tweets, said he was "grief stricken" over Ananth Kumar's death
Amit Shah expressed his grief over union minister Ananth Kumar's death, in a series of tweets. "I am grief stricken to learn about the untimely demise of our senior leader and union minister Shri Ananth Kumar ji," Amit Shah said in a tweet.
Ananth Kumar: Arvind Kejriwal tweets over Ananth Kumar's death
Arvind Kejriwal tweeted over the death of union minister Ananth Kumar.
"Very sad to hear about the sad demise of Sh Anant Kumar ji. My heartfelt condolences to the Family. May his Soul rest in peace," he tweeted.
Ananth Kumar Death: PM Modi says he was a "great asset" to the BJP
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his condolences over the death of union minister Ananth Kumar.
"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," he said in a series of tweets.