Updated: October 8, 2020 11:36:48 pm
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the passing of Ram Vilas Paswan, saying that he lost a “valuable friend and colleague” and that the void due to his death “may never be filled”.
the death of Ram Vilas Paswan on Thursday sparked a wealth of rich tributes for the Lok Janashakti Party (LJP) patriarch. The 74-year-old politician was in critical condition with multiple organic complications. He had undergone heart surgery at a Delhi hospital a few days ago.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned Paswan’s passing, saying he lost a “valuable friend and colleague” and that the void due to his death “may never be filled”.
I am saddened beyond words. There is a void in our nation that may never be filled. The disappearance of Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji is a personal loss. I lost a friend, a valued colleague, and someone who was extremely passionate about ensuring that every poor person lives a dignified life. pic.twitter.com/2UUuPBjBrj
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2020
A Dalit leader from Bihar and an eight-time deputy from Lok Sabha, Paswan had served as a minister for the Food and Public Distribution Union in the NDA government led by Narendra Modi. He was a minister in central governments led by parties of contrasting ideologies, from Janata Dal to Congress and the BJP, since 1989.
Leaders from across the political spectrum have also expressed their pain and condolences. Apart from Prime Minister Modi, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Interior Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda have spoken by phone with Chirag to offer their condolences, the LJP said in a statement.
Among the first to tweet their condolences were President Ram Nath Kovind, former Congress President Rahul Gandhi and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad.
President Ram Nath Kovind: “With the demise of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, the nation has lost a visionary leader. He was one of the longest-serving and most active members of parliament. It was the voice of the oppressed and championed the cause of the marginalized. Paswan ji, a passionate youth socialist, led by the likes of Jayaprakash Narayan during the anti-Emergency movement, had an enviable relationship with the masses and fought ardently for their well-being. Condolences to his family and supporters ”.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar: “I am personally saddened by the death of the Union Minister and popular politician Ram Vilas Paswan ji. His death is an irreparable loss to Indian politics. May his soul rest in peace.”
Sushil Kumar Modi: ”We are all saddened by the passing of Ram Vilas Paswanji. Bihar can never forget his contribution. I had a relationship with him for 30 years. My humble tribute. “
रामविलास पासवान जी को विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि। pic.twitter.com/iafD6NKzCR
– Sushil Kumar Modi (@SushilModi) October 8, 2020
Union Interior Minister Amit Shah: “The mind is extremely disturbed by the disappearance of Ram Vilas Paswan ji, who is always fighting for the welfare and rights of the poor and disadvantaged. In his political life, he always kept the national interest and the public welfare as a priority. His death has created a vacuum in Indian politics. “
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi: “The news of Ram Vilas Paswan ji’s untimely passing is sad. The Dalit community today lost one of its strong political voices. My condolences to his family. “
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi: “My condolences on the passing of Shri Ram Vilas Paswan. Shri Paswan, a commanding personality who supported the cause of social justice and the empowerment of the most marginalized, will be forever remembered for upholding the cause of social and political equity. I remember his long association as an ally and as a competent and dynamic minister of the UPA. My thoughts are with his wife, Chirag, and all family members, friends, and followers in this time of loss and pain. “
Sharad Yadav: “The news of the death of Ram Vilas Bhai, a dear and dear friend from my struggle, pains me. Today the country has lost a capable politician. My condolences to the grieving family in this hour of pain. I pray that Chirag will gain the strength to serve the country by following in his father’s footsteps. “
Lalu Prasad Yadav: “I am very sorry to hear the sad news of Rambilas Bhai’s untimely disappearance. The unbroken relationship of the last 45 years and all the social and political battles waged with them is floating in the eyes. Brother Rambilas, you left early. I’m not in a position to say anything more than this. “
Priyanka Gandhi: “Ram Vilas Paswan ji has been my mother’s neighbor for years and we had a personal relationship with her family. The news of his passing is deeply saddened. My condolences to Chirag ji and all members of the family. We are with you in this sad hour ”.
Ravi Shankar Prasad: “Ram Vilas was a high ranking minister in the government of India. I was Minister of State for Coal Mines for the first time in the Atalji government. His death is an irreparable loss for the country. My humble tribute. “
📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and keep up to date with the latest headlines
For the latest news about India, download the Indian Express app.
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
.
