Sushil Kumar Modi, ex-deputy chief minister of Bihar, passes away due to cancer
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New Delhi, May 14: Veteran BJP leader and former deputy chief minister of Bihar Sushil Kumar Modi, who passed away at age 72 after battling cancer for the last seven months. The stalwart leader, once the BJP's best-known face in Bihar, had opted out of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections also on account of his health. He had announced it on social media with a post on X, formerly Twitter, on April 3.
"I have been battling cancer for the last 6 months. Now I feel that the time has come to tell people. I will not be able to do anything in the Lok Sabha elections. I have told everything to the PM. Always grateful and always dedicated to the country, Bihar and the party," his post read.
His absence was expected to be felt the most in Bihar, where he had considerable influence on the party, built over three decades.
Over 11 years between 2005 and 2020, in two stints, he had served as the Deputy of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah among others condoled the demise of the veteran BJP leader
In a post on X, President Murmu said, "The sudden demise of Sushil Kumar Modi is an irreparable loss. His gentle nature, contribution as an efficient administrator and integrity in public life were reflected in his personality and work. As Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Member of Parliament and Member of both the Houses of the State Legislature, Sushil Kumar Modi upheld high ideals. May God grant peace to his soul and give strength to his family to bear this loss."
Prime Minister Modi said he is "deeply saddened" by the untimely demise of his friend for decades. In his post on X, PM Modi said, "I am deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Sushil Modi ji, my valuable colleague in the party and my friend for decades. He has played an invaluable role in the rise and success of BJP in Bihar. Strongly opposing the Emergency, he made a name for himself in student politics. He was known as a very hardworking and sociable MLA. He had a deep understanding of the issues related to politics. He also did a lot of commendable work as an administrator. His active role in the passage of GST will always be remembered. My condolences are with his family and supporters in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!"