Suresh Angadi, Minister of State for Railways and who was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi and undergoing treatment for the Wuhan virus, succumbed to the disease at around 8 PM on September 23.
He is the first Union Minister to have died of the Chinese virus.
He had tested positive for the Wuhan virus on September 11, just before the monsoon session of the Parliament.
Born in the Koppa village of Belagavi, he obtained a law degree from the Raja Lakhamgouda Law College in the district. Angadi joined the BJP in 1996 and was a four time BJP MP from Belagavi who had been elected to the Lok Sabha in 2004, 2009, 2014 and 2019.
He is also an educationist and runs institutions that offer courses in science, commerce, computer science, engineering and business administration.
He is survived by his wife and 2 daughters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolence and said that he was an exceptional karyakarta.
Shri Suresh Angadi was an exceptional Karyakarta, who worked hard to make the Party strong in Karnataka. He was a dedicated MP and effective Minister, admired across the spectrum. His demise is saddening. My thoughts are with his family and friends in this sad hour. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/2QDHQe0Pmj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 23, 2020
Former Prime Minister HD Devegowda too expressed shock and offered condolences to the family.
I am shocked and deeply saddened by the demise of Union Minister of State for Railways and four-term MP from Belagavi Shri. Suresh Angadi @SureshAngadi_ .
He was like a younger brother to me. I feel terrible losing him. This is an unbearable loss to our nation.
1/2— H D Devegowda (@H_D_Devegowda) September 23, 2020
Union Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal expressed deep anguish and called Angadi as his brother.
Deeply anguished at the unfortunate demise of Suresh Angadi ji.
He was like my brother. Words fall short to describe his commitment & dedication towards the people.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this hour of need. Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/Y7SB2PMktU
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) September 23, 2020