"The demise of Ananth Kumar is a great loss to the country, to the state of Karnataka, to the government and my party. He was a leader of very high standing within the BJP. It was under his leadership that the party got its first foothold established in southern parts of India," says Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

Infosys founder Narayan Murthy, actor Puneet Rajkumar, BJP MLA Arvind Limbavali, BJP MLA Kumar Bangarappa pay homage to Ananth Kumar at hos residence in Basavanagudi.

"I am grief stricken to learn about the untimely demise of our senior leader and union minister Shri Ananth Kumar ji. He served the nation and organisation with unparalleled zeal and dedication. Ananth ji worked tirelessly to strengthen the BJP in the state of Karnataka. Ananth ji was a remarkable administrator who served various ministerial portfolios. His passing away has left a void in the BJP and Indian polity that can not be filled soon. May God give his family & supporters strength to bear this tragic loss. My deepest condolences. Om Shanti," says Amit Shah in his condolence message.

Ananth Kumar's mortal remains have been kept at his residence in Basavanagudi. Leaders cutting across party lines are arriving there to pay their last respects. Karnataka BJP president BS Yeddyurappa, Infosys Foundation Chairperson Sudha Murthy, former chief minister Siddaramaiah were among those who paid tribute.

"We are saddened by his untimely death. Ananth Kumar was a meticulous administrator. It is a big loss to the government and organization," says UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who is in Mysuru currently, would leave for Bengaluru shortly.

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala pays last respects to Union Minister Ananth Kumar.

BJP sources said the body of Kumar would be kept at the National College Ground, which falls in his Bangalore South Lok Sabha constituency, for public homage. Details of funeral arrangements were being worked out, the sources said. Kumar passed away from complications following cancer and infections, his party office said in a statement. He had been on the ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit for the last few days, it said. (As per PTI report)

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will arrive today evening in Bengaluru. PM Modi will also arrive in Bengaluru today.

Ananth Kumar's last rites would be held tomorrow at a crematorium in Chamrajapet.

"I am deeply saddened by the news of Ananth Kumar ji's sudden demise. Ananth ji was respected across party lines and was a guiding light for all of us. My thoughts are with his family in this hour of grief," Union Minister Piyush Goyal says.

"Felt very sad about the demise of Ananth Kumar. He was ill for some time, but never expected that this will happen. We were hoping he would recover and join back public service. I convey my heartfelt condolences to his wife and children," says Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu.

University exams have been postponed. Mysore university postpones graduation exams and degree exams. Bangalore University postpones all Graduation, Post-Graduation, engineering and other exams as a mark of respect to union minister Ananth Kumar.

Ananth Kumar's mortal remains

"AnanthKumar Ji was a hardworking politician and an admired social worker. He had a huge contribution in Karnataka politics. He will be always remembered for his good work. His demise is saddening," says Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

"Following the unfortunate demise of Union Minister Ananth Kumar, it has been decided that National Flag will fly at half mast throughout the country today and State funeral will be accorded," said a Ministry of Home Affairs statement.

Ananth Kumar's mortal remains would be kept at his residence today for the family and close relatives to pay last respects. Tomorrow the body would be kept at the BJP office from 7 am to 9 am. Then it would be moved to National College at around 12 noon tomorrow so that public can pay homage.

Mortal remains kept at National College.

Karnataka BJP President BS Yeddyurappa condoled the death of his party colleague and senior leader Ananth Kumar, saying his demise is a huge loss to the party and his personal loss. Yeddyurappa said, "I cannot forget the days of discussions and debate for the rise of the party. As political aspiring to a higher position, he has played a key role in handling the politically sensitive issue and tricky situations. His charisma rose along his political journey."

"I’m sorry to hear about the passing of Union Minister, Shri Ananth Kumar ji, in Bengaluru, earlier this morning. My condolences to his family & friends. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti," Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweets.

Karnataka government declares holiday for educational institutions and government offices today as a mark of respect for AnanthKumar. University exams have also been postponed.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy says he has lost a great friend and a value-based politician.

A three day mourning has been declared in Karnataka. Holiday declared across state today.

Ananth Kumar's mortal remains will be taken to the National College grounds at 9 am for people to pay their last respects. The funeral will be held today itself.

"Ananth Kumar Ji was an able administrator, who handled many ministerial portfolios and was a great asset to the BJP organisation. He worked hard to strengthen the Party in Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru and surrounding areas. He was always accessible to his constituents," PM Modi tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to arrive in Bengaluru to arrive in Bengaluru at 10.30 am to pay his last respects to Ananth Kumar who passed away this morning.

President of India, Ram Nath Kovind said, "sad to hear of the passing of Union Minister and veteran parliamentarian Shri H.N. Ananth Kumar. This is a tragic loss to public life in our country&particularly for the people of Karnataka. My condolences to his family, colleagues and countless associates."

Karnataka government's statement: Due to the sad demise of Union Minister Ananth Kumar, as per the Government orders the school /college remains closed today,12th November 2018 (Monday).

Holiday announced for Schools and colleges in Karnataka