Ananth Kumar dies of lung cancer at 59

Bengaluru, November 12

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister and senior BJP leader Ananth Kumar died at a private hospital early on Monday after battling lung cancer, hospital authorities said.

The 59-year-old Bangalore South MP had been receiving treatment at Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre after returning home in October following treatment in the US and Britain. He had been on ventilator for the past few days.

OBITUARY: 

His wife Tejaswini and two daughters — Aishwarya and Vijetha — were by his side.

The mortal remains were kept at his residence where a large number of people paid homage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew in from Varanasi and drove to Kumar’s residence to pay last respects. The Union Cabinet will meet on Tuesday to mourn the demise of the leader, official sources said.

The last rites will be performed on Tuesday, the Karnataka unit of the BJP said. 

President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and leaders across the political spectrum mourned the death of the six-time MP.

The national flag flew at half mast nationwide as a mark of respect. The Karnataka Government has declared three-day state mourning. Kumar made his parliamentary debut in 1996 from Bangalore South, where he remained unconquered till his death. — PTI