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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.

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. 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.

‘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.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati too condoled Paswan's demise.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tributes and condoled the death of Cabinet colleague Ram Vilas Paswan

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.

With inputs from PTI, News18 and The Quint.