Ananth Kumar was a veteran parliamentarian and a senior BJP leader. He represented Bengaluru South Constituency in Lok Sabha. During his illustrious political career he handled various ministries like Tourism, Sports & Youth Affairs, Culture, Urban Development, and Poverty Alleviation. The six-time MP from Karnataka, Kumar held charge of two ministries in the Narendra Modi government -- Chemicals and Fertilisers since May 2014 and Parliamentary Affairs since July 2016.
Born on 22nd July 1959 in Bangalore, Kumar hailed from a middle-class family. He did his graduation in a faculty of Arts (B.A) from KS Arts College, Hubli. He also persued bachelors in law (L.L.B) from JSS law college, Mysore University. He was associated with Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) before joining the BJP in 1987. As a student activist, he was also jailed along with other ABVP leaders during the Emergency of 1975.
Elected for the first time from Bengaluru South Lok Sabha constituency in 1996, Kumar continued to represent the constituency, for record six terms in a row. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, he defeated Congress candidate Nandan Nilekani by a huge margin. He was among selected few leaders who to become a union minister all the three times when the BJP led national democratic alliance (NDA) came to power.
In 1998 was inducted into the Union cabinet headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the Minister for Civil Aviation. In 1999, he again became a cabinet minister in the National Democratic Alliance government. A known face of South India in general and Karnataka in particular, he discharged all his duties with a sense of responsibility. In 2003, he became the BJP's Karnataka chief. Under his guidance, the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Legislative Assembly and won the highest number of Lok Sabha seats in 2004 in Karnataka.
The six-time MP from Karnataka he handled various ministries like Tourism, Sports & Youth Affairs, Culture, Urban Development, and Poverty Alleviation. He was in charge of the Chemicals and Fertilizers ministry since May 2014 and Parliamentary Affairs since June 2016 in the Modi government.
Illness and Death
Suffering from lung cancer and other related complications, he died at a hospital in Bengaluru. He was 59. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Tejaswini, and his two daughters, Aishwarya and Vijeta. People from all walks of life condoled the passing away of this son of Karnataka. His death was mourned by leaders across political lines.
President of India: Sad to hear of the passing of Union minister and veteran parliamentarian Shri H.N. Ananth Kumar. This is a tragic loss to public life in our country and particularly for the people of Karnataka. My condolences to his family, colleagues and countless associates #PresidentKovind
Narendra Modi: Extremely saddened by the passing away of my valued colleague and friend, Shri Ananth Kumar Ji. He was a remarkable leader, who entered public life at a young age and went on to serve society with utmost diligence and compassion. He will always be remembered for his good work.
Narendra Modi: Ananth Kumar Ji was an able administrator, who handled many ministerial portfolios and was a great asset to the BJP organisation. He worked hard to strengthen the Party in Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru and surrounding areas. He was always accessible to his constituents.
Narendra Modi: I spoke to his wife, Dr. Tejaswini Ji and expressed condolences on the passing away of Shri Ananth Kumar Ji. My thoughts are with his entire family, friends and supporters in this hour of grief and sadness. Om Shanti.
Rahul Gandhi: I’m sorry to hear about the passing of Union Minister, Shri Ananth Kumar ji, in Bengaluru, earlier this morning. My condolences to his family & friends. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.
Amit Shah: Ananth ji was a remarkable administrator who served various ministerial portfolios. His passing away has left a void in the BJP and Indian polity that can not be filled soon. May God give his family & supporters strength to bear this tragic loss. My deepest condolences. Om Shanti
राजनाथ सिंह: Absolutely shocked and pained by the demise of very senior colleague and a friend Shri Anant Kumar ji. He was a seasoned parliamentarian who served the nation in several capacities. His passion and devotion for the welfare of people was commendable. My condolences to his family.
राजनाथ सिंह: My mind is filled with memories of working with Anant Kumar ji in the government and party organisation. These memories will stay with me. His demise is a big loss for the BJP. It is also a personal loss for me.
Nirmala Sitharaman: Deep sense of grief on hearing that Shri @AnanthKumar_BJP is no more with us. Served @BJP4India @BJP4Karnataka all along. Bengaluru was in his head and heart, always. May God give his family the strength to bear with this loss.
B.S. Yeddyurappa: I am under deep grief to hear about the untimely demise of my friend and union minister Shri Ananth Kumar ji. He worked tirelessly to strengthen the BJP in Karnataka and nation. May his soul rest in peace and God give strength to bear his loss to his family...
Sushma Swaraj: I am pained to know about the sad demise of Shri Ananth Kumar. He was like my younger brother. His death is a personal loss for me.
Sadananda Gowda: Shocked , it’s unbelievable , My friend , Brother Ananthkumar is no more .
Suresh Prabhu: Shocked,extremely saddened learn about this unbelievable news of my real dear friend of years Ananath Kumar passing away.Its traumatic.He devotedly worked for @BJP4India rose to be national leader,built @BJP4Karnataka .We have lost great parliamentarian.condolences to his wife
Spouse(s): Dr. Tejaswini Kumar
Children: Aishwarya and Vijeta
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