Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, who recently underwent cardiac surgery, passed away in a Delhi hospital.

 

One of the most prominent Harijan leaders in the country, Paswan was recuperating after undergoing treatment and had to undergo a surgery, which his son and Lok Janshakti Party president Chirag Paswan described had to be done "due to the situation that had suddenly emerged."

Union Minister Paswan undergoes heart surgery

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said "Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji rose in politics through hard work 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."

His friend-turned-foe Lalu Prasad Yadav too joined a galaxy of political leaders who grieved his death. "I am very sorry to hear the sad news of Ramvilas Paswan's demise. The relationship of the last 45 years and all the social, political battles fought with him is flashing before my eyes," Lalu said.

The 74-year-old Paswan, who was instrumental in bringing in a more robust consumer act and architect of One Nation One Ration Card which would allow people, particularly those living away from their native place to have access to PDS rations, was eight-time Lok Sabha MP from Hajipur Lok Sabha Constituency in Bihar and but currently a Rajya Sabha MP after he decided not to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Paswan, who served under a record five Prime Ministers, earlier held the portfolios of Labour, Railways, Communications and Coal.

Ram Vilas Paswan elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Bihar

 

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