Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan | Photo credit: PTI
Key points
- Union Minister and LJP head Ram Vilas Paswan passed away Thursday night after battling a prolonged illness.
- ‘Void in our nation that may never be filled’: leaders of all parties mourn the death of Ram Vilas Paswan
- He served as Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution of the Union in the government led by PM Modi
New Delhi: Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan, who recently underwent heart surgery at a Delhi hospital, passed away on Thursday night at the age of 74. After his son Chirag Paswan announced the news on Twitter, condolences were received. from all corners to mourn his death.
“Dad … you are no longer in the world, but you will always be with me. I miss you dad …” his son Chirag Paswan tweeted.
Ram Vilas Paswan was active in politics for more than five decades and was one of the most prominent Dalit leaders in the country. He served as the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in the Narendra Modi government.
In tolerating his death, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that he always worked for the welfare of the poor, Dalits and the underprivileged.
“The death of Union Minister Shri Ram Vilas Paswan ji is very painful for me. In his long political life, he always worked for the welfare of the poor, Dalits and the underprivileged. He was counted among the highest leaders associated with the Bihar soil and had good relations with all parties, “Singh said in a tweet.
Paswan was hospitalized for more than a month. Earlier this month, his son Chirag tweeted that his father underwent bypass surgery and, if the need arises, he could have another operation after a few weeks.
Expressing his condolences to his family members, Congressional Leader Rahul Gandhi said the poor today have lost a strong political voice. “The news of the untimely passing of Ram Vilas Paswan ji is sad. The oppressed poor lost today a strong political voice. My condolences to the members of his family,” he tweeted in Hindi.
Void in our nation that may never be filled: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he lost a friend, a valued colleague and someone who was extremely passionate about ensuring that every poor person led a dignified life.
“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 insuring that every poor person leads a dignified life, “PM Modi tweeted.
President Kovind expresses his regret at the death of Paswan
President Ram Nath Kovind expressed regret at Paswan’s death and said the country lost a visionary leader today. In addition, he said that the LJP founder was among the most active and longest-serving members of parliament.
“With the passing of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, the nation has lost a visionary leader. He was among the longest-serving and most active members of parliament. He was the voice of the oppressed and championed the cause of the marginalized, “said the president. Kovind said.