WEB DESK
Union Minister and a leading Dalit leader of the country Ram Vilas Paswan, who recently underwent heart surgery at Delhi’s Fortis hospital, passed away late on Thursday.
Paswan (74), who had been in active politics for more than five decades and was one of the country’s most noted Dalit leaders, has been hospitalised for the last few weeks.
Miss you papa, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Chirag Paswan tweeted while informing about his the leader’s demise.
Ram Vilas Pawan was elected as MLA for the first time in 1969. In 2019, he finished 50 years in political life. He serves as minister in cabinets of five former Prime Ministers.
Chirag had last week tweeted: “For the last many days dad is getting treated in a hospital. Due to some sudden developments on Saturday evening, an operation of his heart had to be conducted in the late night. If the need arises, then possibly after a few weeks another operation might be conducted. Thanks to all for standing by me and my family in this hour of struggle.”
Paswan too had said earlier that he finally got admitted at a hospital after Chirag realised he was ill and insisted that he get treated. He, however, did not reveal then what the illness was. Some media reports have stated he is suffering from multiple health issues, including per-existing heart conditions. He had undergone heart related procedures earlier.
“I am happy that my son Chirag is with me at this time and is doing all possible service. Along with taking care of me, he us also fulfilling his responsibilities towards the party,” he wrote on Twitter.
Along with news of his personal health, Paswan also backed his son to take the call on LJP’s alliances for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. “I stand firmly with every decision of his. I am confident that with his youthful thinking, Chirag will take the party and Bihar to new heights,” Paswan said.