Law Kumar Mishra
Patna, October 8
Union food and consumer affairs minister Ram Vilas Paswan, the tallest leader from Bihar, died in a New Delhi hospital tonight.
He had the longest political career too as he was first elected to Bihar assembly from Alauli in Khagaria district in 1969. He had set a record in 1977 Lok Sabha elections from Hajipur as he won with the biggest margin of votes in the world.
For the first time in the last 50 years, Paswan’s absence will be felt in the coming assembly elections. The Dalit face of NDA, he had served as minister under six Prime Ministers of Congress, BJP, United Front, Janata Party from V P Singh to Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi.
He was instrumental in getting the recommendations of B P Mandal Commission implemented and a picture of B R Ambedkar installed in the Parliament Hall.
Paswan was an activist in the JP led movement in 1974 and was imprisoned under MISA in Phulwarisharif jail.
Paswan’s death during the peak of the assembly elections will have an impact on the outcome as on today itself, his son, Chirag Paswan alleged Bihar chief Minister Nitish Kumar ignored him and remained indifferent to Paswan’s health.
Chirag had claimed the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, union ministers had inquired about his health and visited the hospital but Bihar CM ignored him.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in a condolence message recalled his old association with Paswan and said it was his personal loss. It is a great loss to Indian politics, Nitish said.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the passing away of Union Minister Shri Ram Vilas Paswan.
In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said, “I am saddened beyond words. There is a void in our nation that will perhaps never be filled. Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji’s demise is a personal loss. I have lost a friend, valued colleague and someone who was extremely passionate to ensure every poor person leads a life of dignity.
LJP headquarters on Shahed Pir Ali Khan Marg (Airport Road) was buzzed with political activities when the tragic news came in. A pall of gloom descended as Chirag Paswan’s tweet reached. The LJP activities workers and supporters could not control their emotions as tears started rolling down when released their great leader Ram Vilas Paswan was no more.
