Ram Vilas Paswan was Minister of Consumption, Food and Public Distribution (Archive)
New Delhi:
Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has died, his son and Lok Janshakti Party chief Chirag Paswan said Thursday. He was 74 years old. “Father, you are no longer in the world, but I know that you will always be with me … I miss you dad,” the leader tweeted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Dalit icon was a valued friend and colleague who rose in politics through hard work and determination.
“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.
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
Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji rose in politics thanks to hard work and determination. As a young leader, he resisted tyranny and the assault on our democracy during the Emergency. He was a prominent parliamentarian and minister, who made lasting contributions in various political areas. pic.twitter.com/naqx27xBoj
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2020
Working together, shoulder to shoulder with Paswan Ji, has been an incredible experience. His interventions during the cabinet meetings were revealing. From political wisdom, political savvy to governance issues, he was brilliant. Condolences to his family and followers. Om Shanti.
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2020
President Ram Nath Kovind also tweeted his respect for the leader.
With the disappearance 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.
– President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 8, 2020
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 followers.
– President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 8, 2020
Deeply shocked and moved to learn of the untimely demise of our highly revered veteran leader and a highly respected senior at Union Ministry Sh #RamVilasPaswan Hee My deepest condolences!
May God give our young friend Chirag @iChiragPaswan and the family the strength to bear this loss.– Dr. Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) October 8, 2020
“The death of Ram Vilas Paswan Ji is very sad news. The poor Dalit section has lost one of its main political voices. My condolences to his family,” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted in Hindi.
Chirag, shocked to hear about your father’s disappearance!
Ram Vilas Paswan ji was an advocate for the oppressed and had immense faith in the pluralism and diversity of India.
It is a great loss for the nation. My condolences to you, your family and all your followers https://t.co/8Nj9h5YxhY
– Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) October 8, 2020
The end of an era!
Saddened by the passing of the senior leader, distinguished parliamentarian and cabinet minister of the Union, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan. His life and times are a lesson in how strong determination can lead one to the zenith of one’s career.
Condolences @iChiragPaswan & family. pic.twitter.com/ThZY6hCMkM
– Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) October 8, 2020
Saddened to learn of the passing of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan ji. Leader of the people, he has left an indelible mark on Indian politics. Condolences to his family and loved ones!
– Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) October 8, 2020
Shocked to learn of the sudden disappearance of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan Ji. My condolences to the family in this hour of pain. May the Almighty grant you peace.
– Captain Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) October 8, 2020
Deeply saddened to hear the news of Ram Vilas Paswan Ji’s passing. He was a veteran politician, leader, and long-time MP. My condolences to his family, colleagues, and many fans.
– Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) October 8, 2020
Paswan “underwent heart surgery” earlier this week at a Delhi hospital, his son Chirag Paswan had tweeted.
“In recent days, my father was being treated in a hospital. Last night, due to the situation that had suddenly arisen, he had to undergo heart surgery. If necessary, another operation may be necessary. “I thank you all for being by our side,” he had written.
Ram Vilas Paswan, who was the founder of the Lok Janshakti Party, had been in active politics for more than five decades and was one of the most prominent Dalit leaders in the country.
He was Minister of Consumption, Food and Public Distribution of the central government.
.
