Sushil Modi, ex-Deputy CM of Bihar, reveals cancer diagnosis

Patna: Former Bihar Deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi on Wednesday said he was diagnosed with cancer six months ago and, as a result, would not be participating in the BJP's Lok Sabha poll campaign.

Modi, aged 72, was previously listed by the BJP as one of its star campaigners for the state and was also named a member of its election manifesto committee.

"I have been battling cancer for the last six months. Now, I feel that the time has come to inform people about it. I will not be able to do anything for Lok Sabha elections," he posted on X.

"I have told everything to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I will always remain grateful and dedicated to the country, Bihar and the party," he wrote, eliciting a barrage of replies and wishes from his party colleagues, his supporters and leaders from different political parties.

Commenting on revelations made by Modi, senior BJP leader and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister, Vijay Kumar Sinha, wrote on X, "It's a shocking news for me. I pray to the almighty that our leader (Sushil Modi Ji) soon becomes healthy and active so that countless party workers like me can always benefit from his experience and his deep understanding of society and governance."

Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Giriraj Singh wrote on X, "It is sad that Sushil Ji, who has dedicated his entire political life to social welfare activities, is seriously ill. I pray to God that you recover from this illness soon and become completely healthy."

Senior RJD leader and former state deputy chief minister, Tejashwi Prasad, told reporters, "The prayers and blessings of all RJD workers are with Sushil Modi Ji and his family. We all are praying for his speedy recovery."

Former Bihar chief minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S) founder Jitan Ram Manjhi posted on X, "My brother Sushil ji, please never say that you will not be able to do anything in the Lok Sabha polls. You will soon get well and start working with us."

During his political career spanning over three decades, Sushil Kumar Modi held various positions, including MLA, MLC and member of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. He served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar from 2005 to 2013, and again from 2017 to 2020.

He joined students' politics while studying at Patna University, and became the general secretary of its students' union in 1973. He became an MLA for the first time in 1990 from Patna Central constituency and was made the chief whip of the BJP legislature party.

From 1996 to 2004, he was the leader of the opposition in the state assembly. He became a member of Lok Sabha in 2004 from Bhagalpur.

He gave up his Lok Sabha membership in 2005 and became a member of the legislative council, following which he was made the deputy chief minister with Nitish Kumar as the CM. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2020, and retired earlier this year.