New Delhi, Nov 12 (UNI) President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi led the nation in mourning the death of Union Parliamentary Affairs and Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister H N Ananth Kumar.
The 59-year-old leader died of cancer at a private hospital in Bengaluru in early hours on Monday.

Kumar is survived by his wife and two daughters.
The National Flag will fly at half mast on Monday and a state funeral will be accorded to the Union Minister on Tuesday, Home Ministry sources said here.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh will attend the last rites at Chamarajpet crematorium on Tuesday, sources said.
'Sad to hear the passing of Union minister and veteran parliamentarian H N Ananth Kumar. This is a tragic loss to public life in our country and particularly for the people of Karnataka. My condolences to his family, colleagues and countless associates,' President Kovind said in a condolence message.
Condoling the death of the Minister, the Prime Minister said, 'Extremely saddened by the passing away of my valued colleague and friend, Shri Ananth Kumar Ji. He was a remarkable leader, who entered public life at a young age and went on to serve society with utmost diligence and compassion. He will always be remembered for his good work. Ananth Kumar Ji was an able administrator, who handled many ministerial portfolios and was a great asset to the BJP organisation. He worked hard to strengthen the Party in Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru and surrounding areas. He was always accessible to his constituents.'
The PM conveyed his condolences to Ananth Kumar's wife Tejaswini.
'Spoke to his wife, Dr. Tejaswini Ji and expressed condolences on the passing away of Ananth Kumar Ji. My thoughts are with his entire family, friends and supporters in this hour of grief and sadness. Om Shanti,' Mr Modi said.
The Home Minister on the death of BJP MP from Bangalore South said, 'Absolutely shocked and pained by the demise of very senior colleague and a friend Shri Anant Kumar ji. He was a seasoned parliamentarian who served the nation in several capacities. His passion and devotion for the welfare of people was commendable. My condolences to his family.
BJP National President Amit Shah led the leaders at party headquarters in paying tributes to the departed soul.
Mr Shah said,'I am grief stricken to learn about the untimely demise of our senior leader and Shri union minister Ananth Kumar ji. He served the nation and organisation with unparalleled zeal and dedication. Ananth ji worked tirelessly to strengthen the BJP in the state of Karnataka.'
'It is a personal loss for me. I depended a lot on him (#AnanthKumar) to run Parliament smoothly. Finding a party worker & efficient minister like him is difficult.
He is a major loss not only to the party but politics as a whole,' Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said in a condolence message.
Veteran BJP leader L K Advani while condoling the Union Minister's demise said, 'I'm extremely shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of Union Minister #AnanthKumar. Ananth Kumar was a very popular, dynamic leader of the poor & downtrodden. May the departed soul rest in peace: Lal Krishna Advani.'
Congress president Rahul Gandhi also expressed condolences on death of the Minister, saying,'I’m sorry to hear about the passing of Union Minister, Shri Ananth Kumar ji, in Bengaluru, earlier this morning. My condolences to his family & friends. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shantim.'
Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Arun Jaitley mourned the death of senior BJP leader and Union Minister Ananth Kumar and said he would be remembered for his works as a parliamentarian and a political leader.



“Extremely pained by the sudden demise of Union Minister and my colleague, Shri Ananth Kumar Ji. He will always be remembered for his works as parliamentarian and a political leader. My thoughts & prayers are with his family. May God render peace to the departed soul,” he tweeted.

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