New Delhi: Home Ministry officials said state funeral will be accorded to Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan who passed away Thursday night and the national flag will fly at half-mast in Delhi and State capitals on Friday as mark of respect.
Paswan, the founder of the Lok Janshakti Party — died on Thursday at a Delhi hospital where he was recuperating from heart surgery.
The last rites of Paswan will take place in Patna on Saturday. Twitter was flooded with tributes for the departed leader.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “I am saddened beyond words. There is a void in our nation that will perhaps never be filled. Shri Ram Vilas Paswan ji’s demise is a personal loss. I have lost a friend, valued colleague and someone who was extremely passionate to ensure every poor person leads a life of dignity.”
Congress president Sonia Gandhi said, “My deepest condolences on the passing away of Shri Ram Vilas Paswan. A towering personality, who stood with the cause of social justice and empowerment of the most marginalized, Shri Paswan will be forever remembered for asserting the cause of social and political equity.”
“I remember his long association as an ally and as a competent and dynamic minister of the UPA. My thoughts are with his wife, Chirag and all the family members, friends and followers in this moment of loss and grief,” she added.
RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav tweeted: “I am extremely sorry to hear the sad news of untimely demise of Ramvilas Bhai. The indestructible relationship of the last 45 years and all the social, political battles fought with them is floating in the eyes. Ramvilas brother, you left early. I am not in a position to say anything more than this.”