Union Minsiter of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan passed away at a Delhi hospital on Thursday (October 8). He was 74.
He recently underwent a heart surgery and had been hospitalized for the past few weeks. His son Chirag Paswan made took to social media to announce about his father’s death.
Ram Vilas Paswan remains one of the tallest Dalit leaders in India. He had been a Lok Sabha member for 8 times.
He had also been part of both the Congress led UPA and BJP led NDA governments as a Minister.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their condolences.
In 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, 2020
Prime Minister Modi said that the demise of the Minister was a personal loss to him. He recalled the late leader’s efforts in the resistance against Emergency.
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, 2020
Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji rose in politics through hardwork and determination. As a young leader, he resisted tyranny and the assault on our democracy during the Emergency. He was an outstanding Parliamentarian and Minister, making lasting contributions in several policy areas. pic.twitter.com/naqx27xBoj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2020