Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan dies at 74 in New Delhi, nation pays its tributes

New Delhi: Days after undergoing heart surgery at a New Delhi hospital, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and founder of Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) Ram Vilas Paswan passed away on Thursday, October 8. He was 74.

The announcement of the Minister's death was made by his son, Chirag, who said that his father will always be with him.

Paswan was hospitalized for over a month now in a Delhi hospital. Earlier this month, he had undergone bypass surgery and another operation was on the cards.

Several leaders from all ends of the political spectrum have begun paying their tributes to the departed leader.

"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," wrote PM Modi.

"End of an era! Sad at the passing away of senior leader, illustrious Parliamentarian and Union Cabinet Minister Shri Ram Vilas Paswan. His life & times are a lesson of how strong determination can take one to the zenith of one's career," Assam finance, health, and education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote in a tweet.

Condoling Paswan's demise, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu tweeted in Hindi, "Got the news of the tragic demise of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan. May god grant his soul peace and strength to his grief-stricken family to bear the loss."

"Saddened to learn about the demise of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan ji, a stalwart of Indian politics who contributed immensely towards the development of the nation. My sincere condolences to his bereaved family members and well-wishers in this hour of grief," wrote Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

Paswan was the president of the Lok Janshakti Party and eight-time Lok Sabha member. He was currently the MP in Rajya Sabha.

The 74-year old veteran politician was one of the country's most noted Dalit leaders. Paswan had been in active politics for over five decades.

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