Union minister Suresh Angadi succumbs to Covid-19 infection
24 Sep 2020
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Union minister of state for railways Suresh Angadi passed away on Wednesday. He was suffering from coronavirus (Covid-19) infection and was admitted to AIIMS in Delhi early this month.
He was admitted to AIIMS after his swab samples returned positive for Covid-19 on 11 September. Those who came in close contact with him in the last few days were also requested to monitor their health and get tested in case of any symptoms.
The MP from Belagavi in Karnataka is the first union minister to succumb to coronavirus infection.
Earlier, union home minister Amit Shah, minister of state for agriculture Kailash Choudhary, ayush minister Shripad Nayak, jal shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, MoS for parliamentary affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal and petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan were diagnoses with Covid-19.
President Ram Nath Kovind expressed shock over Angadi's death. The President termed him as an amiable leader and offered his condolences to the deceased's family.
"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. With his indomitable spirit, he carried out public service with humility and perseverance. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the loved ones," President Kovind said.
“Deeply pained to learn about the passing away of MoS Railways and senior BJP leader from Karnataka, Shri Suresh Angadi ji. He will always be remembered for his selfless service to the nation and party. My deepest condolences are with his family. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,” tweeted Amit Shah.
Several politicians cutting across party lines condoled Angadi's death.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Angadi as an 'exceptional karyakarta' while offering condolences to the late minister's family.
"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," PM Modi tweeted.
Railway minister Piyush Goyal expressed condolences to the aggrieved family of his cabinet colleague. Terming Angadi as his "brother", Goyal said that he was "deeply anguished".
"Deeply anguished at the unfortunate demise of Suresh Angadi ji. He was like my brother. Words fall short to describe his commitment and dedication towards the people. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this hour of need. Om Shanti," Goyal tweeted.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh expressed pain to hear the demise of the union minister. "I remember the ever smiling Angadi-ji. Very pained at hearing this sad news", he tweeted.
