Family, friends, BJP leaders pay last respects to Ananth Kumar
(PTI desk)
A pall of gloom descended on Union Minister Ananth Kumar's residence in Bengaluru today as mourners turned up in large numbers to pay their respects. Kumar, 59, died at a private hospital in Bengaluru in early today after battling lung cancer for several months. BJP leaders, relatives, family-friends, party workers, and people made a beeline to pay homage to the "most loved" Bengaluru MP.
Karnataka government announces 3-day mourning, holiday
Karnataka government announced a three-day mourning and holiday in honor of Kumar, known for his affability. Schools and colleges were also closed. Governor Vajubhai Vala paid his last respects, placing a wreath on Kumar's body. BJP state chief B S Yeddyurappa, former deputy CM R Ashok, former minister S Suresh Kumar, and many senior BJP and RSS functionaries offered their condolences to Kumar.
Yeddyurappa described Kumar as his guiding force
I am under deep grief to hear about the untimely demise of my friend and union minister Shri Ananth Kumar ji. He worked tirelessly to strengthen the BJP in Karnataka and nation. May his soul rest in peace and God give strength to bear his loss to his family... pic.twitter.com/DZLuZNZsht
— B.S. Yeddyurappa (@BSYBJP) November 12, 2018
Our families had friendship beyond politics: CM Kumaraswamy
Leaders cutting across the party line expressed grief over Kumar's demise. In his condolence message, CM H D Kumaraswamy said, "Our families had friendship beyond politics. He always valued and had given priority to friendship. I've lost a great friend in his death." The CM described him as a value-based politician, who made significant contribution to the country as an MP and Union Minister.
'Kumar has left behind deep void in national, Karnataka politics'
Deputy CM G Parameshwara remembered Kumar, who had remained unconquerable in Bengaluru South Lok Sabha constituency, winning it six times, as his close friend. Calling the Union Minister a "remarkable personality," AICC general secretary and Karnataka in-charge KC Venugopal said he was saddened by Kumar's demise. He has left behind a deep void in national politics as well as Karnataka politics, Venugopal added.
We are going to miss him, says Congress state president
Congress state president Dinesh Gundu Rao said, "Kumar was a stalwart of BJP from Karnataka who had a stupendous career at the national level from a very young age. He always did his politics with decency and decorum. We are going to miss him."
