Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi Dies
Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi died today at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. Mr Modi, who was instrumental in the growth of BJP in Bihar, died after battling cancer. He had earlier announced on social media about the illness and informed the party and the general public about his absence in the campaigning of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. A prominent figure in Indian politics known for his astute leadership and extensive experience in public service, Mr Modi was born on January 5, 1952, in Bihar. His journey in politics spans several decades, marked by significant contributions to the development and governance of the state.
Expressing his condolences over the death of one of the tallest leaders of the party in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he is “deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Sushil Modi ji, my valuable colleague in the party and my friend for decades”.
While remembering Sushil Modi”s political activism, PM Modi said the former had 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. He was known as a very hardworking and sociable MLA. He had a deep understanding of the issues 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,” PM Modi said.
Sushil Modi”s political career took off in the early 1970s when he joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His early involvement in student politics laid the foundation for his future in public service. He later became associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and emerged as one of its key leaders in Bihar.
Known for his organizational skills and strategic acumen, Modi quickly rose through the ranks within the BJP. His commitment to the party”s ideology and his ability to connect with the masses earned him widespread respect and admiration among party members and supporters alike.
Modi”s political journey reached a significant milestone when he was appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar in 2005, serving under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, as part of the arrangement of NDA alliance in Bihar. Modi was also known for his active participation in parliamentary debates and discussions. His eloquence and deep understanding of various issues made him a formidable voice in Indian politics.
Modi”s tenure as Deputy Chief Minister came to an end in 2020, following the BJP”s decision to rotate its leadership in the state. After that, he was elected to Rajya Sabha, the upper house in India”s parliament, following the death of Ram Vilas Paswan.
Condolences poured in from all the sides of political spectrum over Sushil Modi”s death. “Sorry to hear about the sad demise of Shri Sushil Kumar Modi, former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family & friends. May the departed soul rest in peace,” said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Tejashwi Yadav, Sushil Modi”s political rival and the person who replaced him as Deputy Chief Minister when Nitish Kumar switched alliances in the state, said: “I am extremely saddened to hear the news of the untimely demise of the former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, our guardian and hardworking leader respected 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.”.
