Karnataka declares 3-day state mourning to pay respect to deceased Ananth Kumar

New Delhi: Karnataka has declared a three-day state mourning after Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, and Chemicals and Fertilisers Ananth Kumar passed away in the wee hours of November 12 at a private hospital in New Delhi. "His last rites would be performed with full government honour," an official release from the state government said. He was 59 and is survived by wife Tejaswini and two daughters.

Advanced lung cancer

According to the hospital, Kumar was diagnosed with lung cancer, which was at an advanced stage, in June. He was in New York for treatment and had returned only 25 days ago.

Managing Trustee of Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre BN Srinath said that Kumar battled cancer fiercely; however, the infection had spread to other organs and he succumbed to the disease.

The cremation

The cremation is going to be held in Bengaluru on November 13 afternoon.

Political leaders cutting across party lines paid their last respects to the Union Minister. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also visited the residence of the Union Minister here on November 12 night and had paid his last respects. Calling Kumar an able administrator and an asset to the BJP, the PM said he worked hard to strengthen the party in Karnataka.

Exams cancelled

Examinations that were scheduled to be held on November 12 in various universities in Karnataka were also cancelled on account of the passing away of Kumar.

The High Court of Karnataka declared a holiday for the principal bench in Bengaluru, High Court Benches in Dharwad and Kalaburagi, and all subordinate courts. The national flag at government institutions was flown half-mast.

Kumar's final rites will be conducted with full state honours. He was a six-time MP from Bengaluru South and was representing it in the Lok Sabha continuously since 1996.