Ashok Gasti, 55, was from Raichur, in northern Karnataka.
Bangalore:
Ashok Gasti, a member of Karnataka’s BJP Rajya Sabha, died of COVID-19, a hospital confirmed today, hours after confusion caused by condolence tweets posted by leading politicians.
The 55-year-old man was seriously ill and was admitted to Manipal Hospital.
Dr. Manish Rai, director of the hospital, said in a statement that the MP died at 10:31 p.m.
The hospital said the Rajya Sabha member was admitted with severe COVID-19 pneumonia and was critical after multi-organ failure. He was on life support in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Mr. Gasti was from Raichur in North Karnataka and was previously a booth level worker.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Gasti a “dedicated karyakarta“and mourned his death on Twitter:
Rajya Sabha MP Shri Ashok Gasti was a dedicated Karyakarta who worked hard to strengthen the Party in Karnataka. He was passionate about empowering the poor and marginalized sectors of society. Anguished by his passing. Condolences to your family and friends. Om Shanti.
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 17, 2020
After his unopposed election in June this year, Gasti had not attended Parliament due to the pandemic. She was a member of Rajya Sabha for the first time.
At the time of his nomination, Mr. Gasti told NDTV, “This is a very happy event. A booth level worker has been recognized as well. This type of recognition is possible only at BJP. This has given a lot. enthusiasm to hundreds of thousands of BJP workers. I want to thank all the BJP leaders. “
Condolences started pouring in on Twitter after Gasti’s death.
“Shocked and hurt by the untimely disappearance of MP Rajya Sabha and Karnataka BJP leader Shri Ashok Gasti ji. Over the years, he served the organization and the nation in multiple roles. My condolences to his family in this hour of pain. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti, “Amit Shah tweeted.
Rajya Sabha Vice President and President M Venkaiah Naidu expressed his regret and said that Mr. Gasti was known “for his simplicity and commitment to uplifting the oppressed.”
Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Shri Ashok Gasti, a member of Rajya Sabha. He was known for his simplicity and commitment to lifting up the downtrodden. My condolences to the bereaved family members. Om Shanti!
– Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) September 17, 2020
Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar tweeted: “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Karnataka Shri MP Rajya Sabha. Ashok Gasti. My condolences to his family and friends.”
The leaders had also tweeted earlier that day, but later deleted the tweets.
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