Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan passes away at 74
Ram Vilas Paswan, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, passed away on Thursday, October 8, his son Chirag posted on Twitter. He was 74.
Ram Vilas Paswan had recently undergone a heart surgery in a Delhi hospital. He was in active politics for over 50 years and was one of the best known Dalit leaders in the country.
‘Miss you papa,’ Lok Janshakti Party chief Chirag Paswan tweeted while informing about his the leader's demise.
पापा....अब आप इस दुनिया में नहीं हैं लेकिन मुझे पता है आप जहां भी हैं हमेशा मेरे साथ हैं।
Miss you Papa... pic.twitter.com/Qc9wF6Jl6Z— युवा बिहारी चिराग पासवान (@iChiragPaswan) October 8, 2020
Chirag had last week tweeted: "For the last many days dad is getting treated in a hospital. Due to some sudden developments on Saturday evening, an operation of his heart had to be conducted in the late night. If the need arises, then possibly after a few weeks another operation might be conducted. Thanks to all for standing by me and my family in this hour of struggle."
Tributes pour in
President Ram Nath Kovind expressed grief at the passing away of Paswan and paid rich tributes to the departed soul.
In the demise of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, the nation has lost a visionary leader. He was among the most active and longest-serving members of parliament. He was the voice of the oppressed, and championed the cause of the marginalized.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 8, 2020
“In the demise of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, the nation has lost a visionary leader. Ram Vilas Paswan had enviable rapport with masses and he ardently strove for their welfare,” said President Kovind.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi too condoled the untimely death of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan. “Saddened beyond words; there is a void in our nation that will perhaps never be filled,” the PM said.
I am saddened beyond words. There is a void in our nation that will perhaps never be filled. Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji’s demise is a personal loss. I have lost a friend, valued colleague and someone who was extremely passionate to ensure every poor person leads a life of dignity. pic.twitter.com/2UUuPBjBrj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2020
‘The news of untimely demise of Ram Vilas Paswan-ji is sad. The poor-downtrodden lost a strong political voice today. My condolences to his family members,” said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
रामविलास पासवान जी के असमय निधन का समाचार दुखद है। ग़रीब-दलित वर्ग ने आज अपनी एक बुलंद राजनैतिक आवाज़ खो दी।
उनके परिवारजनों को मेरी संवेदनाएँ।— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 8, 2020
Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati too condoled Paswan's demise.
केन्द्रीय मंत्री व बिहार के प्रमुख नेताओं में से एक श्री रामविलास पासवान के निधन की खबर अति-दुःखद। उनके परिवार व पार्टी के लोगों के प्रति गहरी संवेदना।
— Mayawati (@Mayawati) October 8, 2020
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tributes and condoled the death of Cabinet colleague Ram Vilas Paswan
रामविलासजी के निधन से बिहार राज्य और राष्ट्रीय राजनीति में भी बड़ी रिक्तता पैदा हो गयी है। उनके साथ मेरी बहुत लम्बी और अच्छी मित्रता थी। उनका निधन मेरे लिए व्यक्तिगत क्षति है। इस दुःख की घड़ी में ईश्वर उनके परिवार एवं समर्थकों को संबल प्रदान करें। ॐ शान्ति!
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 8, 2020
I am extremely saddened to learn about the demise of political stalwart Shri Ram Vilas Paswan ji. His contribution towards the upliftment of the downtrodden will always be remembered.
May his soul find eternal peace.
My condolences to his family and followers.
Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/MaCZYhZNvT— Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) October 8, 2020
Today, Chirag Paswan needed #RamVilasPaswan ji the most when he passed away. Our deep condolences to his family, we are standing with them. I started my political career with Paswan ji, did many election campaigns as RJD & LJP were in alliance in 2010: Tejashwi Yadav, RJD pic.twitter.com/YmuuCPwwTR
— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2020
Heartfelt condolences on the demise of Union Minister Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) October 8, 2020
A true Dalit leader
Earlier, Ram Vilas Paswan too had said earlier that he finally got admitted at a hospital after Chirag realised he was ill and insisted that he get treated. He, however, did not reveal then what the illness was. Some media reports have stated he is suffering from multiple health issues, including per-existing heart conditions. He had undergone heart related procedures earlier.
“I am happy that my son Chirag is with me at this time and is doing all possible service. Along with taking care of me, he us also fulfilling his responsibilities towards the party,” he wrote on Twitter.
Along with news of his personal health, Paswan also backed his son to take the call on LJP’s alliances for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. “I stand firmly with every decision of his. I am confident that with his youthful thinking, Chirag will take the party and Bihar to new heights,” Paswan said.
The LJP has been threatening to walk out of the NDA in Bihar NDA to protest against Nitish Kumar's projection as the alliance's face in Bihar polls.
My heartfelt condolences at the passing away of Union Minister & founder of Lok Janshakti Party, Ram Vilas Paswan ji. May God give strength to his family members & supporters to bear this loss. May his soul rest in peace.
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) October 8, 2020
Shocked to hear of the sudden demise of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan Ji. My heartfelt condolences to the family in this hour of grief. May the Almighty grant him peace. 🙏
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) October 8, 2020
With inputs from PTI, News18 and The Quint.