Union minister Ananth Kumar dies: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu conveys condolences

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu Monday condoled the demise of Union Minister Ananth Kumar, saying he was a "dedicated statesman." 

Deeply saddened by the passing away of Shri Ananth Kumar. He served the nation with great distinction and always strove for the welfare of downtrodden. His death is a personal loss to me. My condolences to bereaved family members. #AnanthKumar pic.twitter.com/qXd8xL2aW1

— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) November 12, 2018

Kumar, 59, died at a private hospital in Bengaluru in the early hours of Monday after battling lung cancer for several months.

Felt very sad about the demise of #AnanthKumar. He was ill for some time, but never expected that this will happen. We were hoping he would recover and join back public service. I convey my heartfelt condolences to his wife and children: Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu pic.twitter.com/Dm2r5b2Vwu

— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2018

In a tweet, the Vice President Secretariat quoted Naidu as describing Kumar as a "colleague for years together, from students' movement to Parliament" 

"Shocked to learn about the sad demise of the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Anant Kumar. He has been a colleague of mine for years together, from students' movement toParliament. He was a dedicated statesman," the Vice President said.