President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and many others condoled the demise of senior BJP leader and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar. Kumar passed away early on Monday morning after battling cancer.
"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," Modi tweeted.
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Congress president Rahul Gandhi expressed his condolences in a tweet.
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.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 12, 2018
Condoling Kumar's death, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said he has lost a great friend. "Our families had a friendship beyond politics. He always valued and had given priority to our friendship. I have lost a great friend in his death. He was a value based politician, who made significant contribution to the country as an MP and Union Minister. His pro people attitude and activities had made him apple of eyes of Bengalureans. May his soul rest in peace and may God give the strength to his family and his followers to endure this loss," he said.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also expressed deep sorrow over Kumar's death.
"Deep sense of grief on hearing that Shri @AnanthKumar_BJP is no more with us. Served @BJP4India @BJP4Karnataka all along. Bengaluru was in his head and heart, always. May God give his family the strength to bear with this loss," she tweeted.
Deep sense of grief on hearing that Shri @AnanthKumar_BJP is no more with us. Served @BJP4India @BJP4Karnataka all along. Bengaluru was in his head and heart, always. May God give his family the strength to bear with this loss.
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) November 12, 2018
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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 & supporters strength to bear this tragic loss. My deepest condolences. Om Shanti
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 12, 2018