UNION MINISTER ANANTH KUMAR PASSES AWAY AT 59; PRESIDENT KOVIND & PM MODI EXPRESS GRIEF

Union Minister Ananth Kumar passed away in Bengaluru last night. He was 59. Kumar, who was battling cancer, breathed his last on Sunday night.

Since 1996, he has represented Bengaluru South constituency in Lok Sabha. He held charge of two key ministries-Chemicals and Fertilizers since May 2014 and Parliamentary Affairs since July 2016 in the Narendra Modi-ruled BJP government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed their grief and conveyed condolences to Kumar's family.

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

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2018

Sad to hear of the passing of Union minister and veteran parliamentarian Shri H.N. Ananth Kumar. This 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 #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 12, 2018

(This is a developing story. More updates are awaited)