New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS): The demise of the 59-year-old Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ananth Kumar in Bengaluru on Monday elicited condolences from across the political spectrum, with President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the nation in mourning his death.
"Sad to hear of the passing of Union Minister and veteran parliamentarian Ananth Kumar.AThis is a tragic loss to public life in our country and particularly for the people of Karnataka. My condolences to his family, colleagues and countless associates," the President tweeted.
Calling him an "asset" to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Modi said Kumar will always be remembered for his good work.
"Extremely saddened by the passing away of my valued colleague and friend, Ananth Kumar. 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.
"He 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," the Prime Minister said.
Modi also spoke to Kumar's wife.
Kumar died at around 3 a.m. on Monday due to multi-organ failure at a private hospital in Bengaluru where he was being treated for cancer.
Venkaiah Naidu termed Kumar's death a "personal loss".
"Deeply saddened by the passing away of Ananth Kumar. He served the nation with great distinction and always strove for the welfare of downtrodden. His death is a personal lossAto me. My condolences to bereaved family members," the Vice President tweeted.
BJP President Amit Shah said Kumar's passing away "has left a void in the BJP and Indian polity that cannot be filled soon".
"I am grief-stricken to learn about the untimely demise of our senior leader and union minister Shri Ananth Kumarji. He served the nation and organisation with unparalleled zeal and dedication. Ananthji worked tirelessly to strengthen the BJP in the state of Karnataka," Shah said.
The Congress and its President Rahul Gandhi also condoled the Minister's demise.
"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Union Minister Shri Ananth Kumar. Our thoughtsAand prayers are with his family in this hour. May he rest in peace," the Congress tweeted.
"I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Union Minister, Ananth Kumarji, in Bengaluru,Aearlier this morning. My condolences to his family & friends. May his soul rest in peace," Gandhi said.
The Aam Aadmi Party and its head Arvind Kejriwal also mourned Kumar's death.
"Very sad to hear about the sad demise of Anant Kumarji. My heartfelt condolences toAthe family. May his Soul rest in peace," Kejriwal tweeted.
Chief Ministers of West Bengal and All India Trinamool Congress head Mamata Banerjee expressed grief.
"Saddened at the passing away of Ananth Kumarji, six-time MP and Union cabinet minister. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and supporters," she tweeted.
Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Prakash Javadekar and Nirmala Sitharaman were also among those who condoled Kumar's death.
"Absolutely shocked and pained by the demise of very senior colleague and a friend. He (Kumar) was a seasoned parliamentarian who served the nation in several capacities. His passion and devotion for the welfare of people was commendable. My condolences to his family," Rajnath Singh tweeted.
"Passing away of Ananth Kumar Ji is not only an irreparable loss for the country but a big personal loss. It is unbelievable that he is no more. His sudden death has taken away fromAus a true soldier of the country. My tributes to the departed soul," Javadekar said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath termed Kumar's death "a great loss" for both the Union Government and the BJP.