Sushil Modi dies at 72; President, PM, other leaders recall his ‘invaluable contributions’
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna, May 14: Former Bihar deputy chief minister and senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Monday after an eight-month battle with cancer. He was 72.
The mortal remains of Modi was brought to Patna on Tuesday afternoon by a special plane. From the airport, the body was taken to his Rajendra Nagar residence, state legislature premises and BJP office to enable leaders to pay their last respect.
Later, the mortal remains were consigned to flames at Digha Ghat in the presence of BJP president JP Nadda and other leaders.
Politicians across party lines have mourned him, calling his death “an irreparable loss” for Bihar politics.
Expressed grief over the demise of Sushil Kumar Modi, President Droupdi Murmu said his sudden demise was an irreparable loss. Taking to social media platform, Murmu said his gentle nature, skilled administration, and integrity in public life were remarkable. “Sushil Kumar Modi, as deputy chief minister of Bihar, member of Parliament, and member of both Houses of the state legislature, upheld high ideals. May God grant peace to his soul and strength to his family to bear this grief,” she said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “saddened by” the death of his “valuable colleague in the party and my friend for decades, Sushil Modi. “I am deeply saddened by the untimely demise of my valued colleague and friend Sushil Modi Ji, who has been associated with the party as a stalwart supporter for decades. His invaluable contribution to the rise of BJP in Bihar and its successes will always be remembered. He carved out a distinct identity in student politics amidst the emergency and his active role in the passage of GST will always be remembered,” the Prime Minister wrote on his social media platform.
Union home minister Amit Shah said Bihar had lost a great pioneer of politics forever. “His politics was dedicated to the interests of the poor and the marginalised. From ABVP to BJP, Sushil Ji adorned many important positions in the organization and the government. The void that has emerged in Bihar politics due to his demise cannot be filled for a long time,” he posted on ‘X’.
BJP national president JP Nadda said he had worked with Sushil Modi for a long time in the organisation. He dedicated his entire life to Bihar, Nadda said.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh said he was saddened by the news of Sushil Modi’s death. “His long public life was dedicated to serving the people and the welfare of the poor. He worked hard to make the party strong and popular in Bihar. His work for the development of Bihar will always be remembered,” Singh wrote in a post on ‘X’.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said Sushil Modi served the country and society throughout his life. “His struggle will always inspire workers. Praying to Lord Shri Ram to give peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear this immense grief,” he said.
Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav, in a post on social media platform, wrote, “He had a long journey from student politics to active politics and did notable work in all roles. I also had the opportunity to work with him in the ABVP. His death is a personal loss to me.”
Expressing sorrow over his demise, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad recalled his 51-52 years association with Sushil Modi from the Patna University Students’ Union days. “He was a resilient, dedicated social and political figure. May God grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the grieving family,” Prasad posted on ‘X’.
Bihar Congress president Akhilesh Prasad Singh expressed deep sadness over the sudden demise of Sushil Modi. He wrote on his social media platform handle, “the extremely sad news of the sudden demise of former deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi Ji has been received. May God grant peace to his departed soul and strength to his family and well-wishers.”
