New Delhi: Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan, serving as the minister for consumer affairs, food and public distribution in the Narendra Modi government, and leader of the Lok Janashakti Party, passed away on Thursday. He was 74.His son, politician Chirag Paswan, announced the news on Twitter. Chirag currently heads the LJP.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, 2020The leader from Bihar had recently undergone a heart surgery in a Delhi hospital, and was due for another one in a few days.Paswan had a long political career, after first being elected a member of the Bihar legislative assembly in 1969. He was a member of parliament in the Lok Sabha eight times, after first being elected in 1977, and even went to jail during Indira Gandhi’s regime when she imposed the Emergency.Paswan formed the LJP in 2000, and joined the United Progressive Alliance government in the Centre in 2004. He has served as Union minister under five prime ministers.Several political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed their grief and condolences on Twitter.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, 2020In 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, 2020Deepest condolences on the passing of my friend Ram Vilas Paswan. We had been associated for many decades, in times when he stood with India’s secular and democratic order. My solidarity with the family and @iChiragPaswan in their moment of grief.— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) October 8, 2020Deeply shocked & moved to learn about untimely demise of our very revered veteran leader & a very respected senior in Union Ministry Sh #RamVilasPaswan ji. My sincerest condolences!May God give our young friend Chirag @iChiragPaswan & the family the strength to bear this loss.— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) October 8, 2020Heartfelt 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, 2020I 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, 2020Deeply saddened to hear about the unfortunate demise of Union Minister Shri. Ram Vilas Paswan.Heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and followers in this time of grief. pic.twitter.com/u4iTt6NwKP— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) October 8, 2020My 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
