Followers bid tearful farewell to Ram Vilas Paswan

PATNA: The mortal remains of one of the tallest dalit leaders and ex-union minister Ram Vilas Paswan was consigned to flames in Patna on Saturday with full state honours.
The atmosphere at Janardan Ghat on the banks of the Ganga was emotionally charged as thousands gathered around the ghat to get the last glimpse of their departed leader whose doors were always open for common citizens seeking help.
Son Chirag, who heads the LJP founded by his father, lit the funeral pyre after performing all rituals at 4.32 pm amid gun salute by armed forces personnel in the presence of CM Nitish Kumar, his deputy Sushil Modi, leader of opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad among other dignitaries.
Overcome by emotion, Chirag collapsed on the ground after lighting his father’s pyre as his mother looked on from a distance. Several relatives ran to him with water after which he stood up.
The young leader then went up to his mother to console her. Several relatives from Chirag’s maternal side were present at the ghat for the cremation.
As soon as the pyre was lit, emotional supporters of Paswan raised slogans such as “Ram Vilas Paswan amar rahein” for their leader one last time.
Paswan’s mortal remains, accompanied by Chirag, were carried in an Army truck from his residence at SK Puri around 12.45 pm and reached the ghat via Bailey Road.
A large number of party workers and followers walked behind the truck carrying the party flag for several kilometres raising slogans for their departed leader. Many party workers and supporters also followed in cars and bikes.
After reaching the ghat, Army personnel carried the remains up to the pyre on their shoulders while the pipe band of Bihar Regimental Centre played ‘Sky Bird’ song.
Other Union ministers who were present are Giriraj Singh, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Ramdas Athawale and Nityanand Rai among other dignitaries from the Centre were present to pay their tributes. LJP’s Karam Shyam, who is a minister in the Manipur government, was also present at the funeral.
Apart from the CM, health minister Mangal Pandey, road construction department minister Nand Kishore Yadav were among prominent personalities who were at the ghat to attend Paswan’s funeral and pay their respect.