'Loss to entire nation': Kamal Haasan condoles demise of LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan

Actor and politician Kamal Haasan on Thursday paid heartfelt tributes to late Union Minister and LJP founder Ram Vilas Paswan stating that his demise is a loss t just for his family but to entire nation.

ting achievements of Paswan’s remarkable career, Haasan said, “ 74-year-old parliamentarian had been in cabinet of six ministers during his distinguished political journey. Rising to power in 1969, he came to be kwn as face of downtrodden,” he added.

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Expressing deep sorrow over loss of Ram Vilas Paswan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded former's political struggle resisting tyranny and assault on our democracy during Emergency. He added that Paswan's demise is a personal loss for him as he has lost a friend, valued colleague and someone who was extremely keen to ensure every poor person leads a life of dignity.

President Kovind too said that loss of Paswan marked loss of a visionary. He added, "Working toger, shoulder to shoulder with Paswan Ji has been an incredible experience. His interventions during Cabinet Meetings were insightful. From political wisdom, statesmanship to governance issues, he was brilliant. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti."

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Veteran politician passes away

LJP president and Paswan's son Chirag confirmed that Union Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan passed away at a hospital in national capital on Thursday. Since last few weeks, veteran political leader hailing from Bihar had been hospitalized. He underwent heart surgery on October 4. 

national flag will fly at half-mast in Delhi and capitals of all states and union territories on Friday as a mark of respect to Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan who passed away on Thursday, Home Ministry has anunced. A state funeral will also be accorded to Union minister.

" national flag will be flown at half-mast on October 9 in Delhi and capitals of all states and UTs where it is regularly flown, and also on day of funeral at place where funeral takes place," a Home Ministry spokesperson said.

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Paswan's career

Born on July 5, 1946, Paswan was founder of Lok Janshakti Party. His first foray in electoral politics was successful after he was elected to Bihar Assembly in 1969 as a Samyukta Socialist Party candidate. He was one of prominent politicians who was jailed during Emergency. From 1977 onwards, he was continuously elected to Lok Sabha barring for 1984 and 2009. He served as a Union Minister in both UPA as well as NDA regimes. On June 28, 2019, he was elected upposed to Rajya Sabha from Bihar. 

After Janata Dal split into two factions, he along with some or members formed LJP in vember 2000. From 1977 onwards, he was continuously elected to Lok Sabha barring for 1984 and 2009. He served as a Union Minister in National Front governments (1989-90 and 1996-98), Atal Bihar Vajpayee-led NDA government (1999-2002), UPA government (2004-2009) and Narendra Modi-led government (2014-2020). 

READ | National Flag To Fly At Half Mast On Friday As Mark Of Respect To Paswan