Union Minister of State for Railways and Karnataka BJP MP Suresh Angadi died on Wednesday a week after being hospitalised for coronavirus.
The 65-year-old passed away at around 8pm at Delhi’s AIIMS trauma centre, which has been converted into a dedicated COVID-19 facility, said sources at the hospital.
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.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said the national flag will be flown at half-mast on Thursday in all government offices in Delhi where it is usually flown.
Angadi had tested positive for the infection two weeks ago on September 11. At the time however, he was asymptomatic and had said he was “doing fine”. The 65-year old Lok Sabha MP from Belagavi constituency in Karnataka became seriously ill and was hospitalised a week ago. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind condoled the death, with the former describing Angadi as an “exceptional Karyakarta, who worked hard to make the party strong in Karnataka”.
Shri Suresh Angadi was an exceptional Karyakarta, who worked hard to make the Party strong in Karnataka. He was a dedicated MP and effective Minister, admired across the spectrum. His demise is saddening. My thoughts are with his family and friends in this sad hour. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/2QDHQe0Pmj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 23, 2020
Shocked to know the passing away of Shri Suresh Angadi, Union Minister of State of Railways. An amiable leader Shri Angadi worked tirelessly for the people of his constituency, Belagavi and Karnataka.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 23, 2020
