The minister of state for railways, Karnataka BJP MP Suresh Angadi, passed away on Wednesday, days after he tested positive for Covid-19.
The 65-year-old passed away around 8pm at the AIIMS trauma centre which has been converted into a dedicated Covid-19 facility, sources at the hospital said.
A fourth-term MP from Belagavi, Angadi is the first Union minister to have died of coronavirus. At least six MLAs and three MPs have earlier succumbed to it. Former President Pranab Mukherjee, who died on August 31, was also diagnosed as Covid-19 positive.
Angadi had on September 11 announced on Twitter that he had contracted the disease.
The MP from Belagavi had requested all those who came in close contact with him over the past few days to monitor their health and get tested in case of any symptoms.
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said on the microblogging site: “Deeply anguished at the unfortunate demise of Suresh Angadi ji. He was like my brother. Words fall short to describe his commitment & dedication towards the people. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this hour of need. Om Shanti.”
Former Prime Minister and JDS chief H.D. Deve Gowda expressed his sadness over the demise and tweeted that Angadi was like a younger brother.
Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar also described Angadi’s death as a tragic, terrible, and sad news.
Shocked & Saddened by news of my MoS colleague, Shri Suresh Angadi ji’s passing away.
— G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) September 23, 2020
It is an unfathomable loss to the Government, people of Karnataka & the Party.
His selfless service during COVID19 is still vivid before our eyes.
My condolences to his family.
Om Shantipic.twitter.com/ZNzxY49L36
