Union Minister Ananth Kumar dead

Main Points

• Union Minister Ananth Kumar died early Monday morning in Bengaluru
• An MP from South Bengaluru, Kumar was suffering from cancer
• Ananth Kumar is survived by his wife and two daughters

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Minister Ananth Kumar died early Monday morning in Bengaluru. He was 59. Parliamentary Affairs and Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister, Kumar had not been keeping well, Ministry officials said. An MP from South Bengaluru, Kumar was suffering from cancer and had come back from the US in October after treatment at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York.

President Ram Nath Kovind described his death as a "tragic loss to public life" and "particularly for the people of Karnataka." "Sad to hear the passing of Union minister and veteran parliamentarian HN Ananth Kumar," the President said in his tweet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the death of the 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," PM Modi tweeted.

He added, "He worked hard to strengthen the party in Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru and surrounding areas. He was always accessible to his constituents.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. I spoke to his wife, Dr. Tejaswini Ji and expressed condolences on the passing away of Shri Ananth Kumar Ji. My thoughts are with his entire family, friends and supporters in this hour of grief and sadness. Om Shanti," he said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief at the sudden demise. He tweeted, "I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Union Minister, Shri Ananth Kumar ji, in Bengaluru, earlier this morning. My condolences to his family & friends. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti."

Ananth Kumar is survived by his wife and two daughters.