Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan died at 74 Wednesday evening. He had been admitted in the hospital with multiple complaints for some time. The founder of Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), he had recently underwent heart surgery in a Delhi hospital.
His son Chirag Paswan shared a heartbreaking post. “Papa …. Now you are not in this world but I know you are always with me wherever you are. Miss you Papa…,” tweeted Chirag Paswan, with a throwback photo of his father holding him.
Mr Paswan had been in active politics for more than five decades and is counted one of the country’s most recognisable Dalit leaders.
He had appointed his son Chirag as the party president only last November. The late politician had led the Lok Janshakti Party for 19 years.
Modi expressed his grief and tweeted, “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.. Working together, shoulder to shoulder with Paswan Ji has been an incredible experience. His interventions during Cabinet Meetings were insightful. From political wisdom, statesmanship to governance issues, he was brilliant. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.”
President of India Ramnath Kovind also tweeted, “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.”