Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi passed away at the age of 72 on Monday. Sushil Kumar Modi had in April this year revealed that he was suffering from cancer and that he would not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections due to his health condition.
The mortal remains of the former Rajya Sabha MP will be brought to his residence in Patna's Rajendra Nagar area tomorrow (May 14) and last rites will be performed later in the day.
Several BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and incumbent Bihar deputy chief ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, expressed grief and extended their condolences to Sushil Kumar Modi's bereaved family.
"I am deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Sushil Modi ji, my valuable colleague in the party and my friend for decades. He has played an invaluable role in the rise and success of BJP in Bihar. Strongly opposing the Emergency, he made a name for himself in student politics," PM Modi wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
"He was known as a very hardworking and sociable MLA. He had a deep understanding of the issues related to politics. He also did a lot of commendable work as an administrator. His active role in the passage of GST will always be remembered. My condolences are with his family and supporters in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!," he added.
"Heartfelt tribute to former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and former Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sushil Kumar Modi ji on his demise. This is an irreparable loss for Bihar BJP. Om Shanti Shanti," Samrat Choudhary posted.
"Sushil Modi ji is no more among us. This is an irreparable loss for the entire BJP family as well as workers like me. He will always be remembered for his organisation skills, administrative understanding and his deep knowledge on social political issues. May God grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family in this hour of grief," Vijay Kumar Sinha tweeted.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav also extended his condolences on X and said, "I am extremely saddened to hear the news of the untimely demise of the former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, our guardian, struggling and hardworking leader respected Shri Sushil Kumar Modi ji. May God grant a place to the departed soul in his lotus feet and provide strength to the family and well-wishers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti Om".
Born on January 5, 1952, Sushil Kumar Modi began his political journey as a student activist at Patna University, where he served as the general secretary of the Students' Union in 1973.
Over his three-decade-long political career, Sushil Modi held various positions, including MLA, MLC, and member of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. He served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar from 2005 to 2013 and again from 2017 to 2020.
The veteran politician was elected as an MLA for the first time in 1990 from the Patna Central constituency. He also served as the leader of the opposition in the state assembly from 1996 to 2004.
In 2004, Sushil Modi transitioned to national politics by winning a seat in the Lok Sabha from Bhagalpur. However, in 2005, he stepped down from his Lok Sabha post to join the legislative council and assume the role of Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar.
