Bengaluru, November 13: Late Union Minister Ananth Kumar, who passed away in the wee hours of Monday, was cremated with full state honours today. His funeral was attended by BJP workers, civil society members and politicians cutting across party lines.

At the last rites ceremony, a 21-gun salute, along with a guard of honour was accorded to the deceased BJP veteran. Before cremation, his mortal remains were kept at the National College Grounds in Basavanagudi to facilitate the public to pay their last respects. Ananth Kumar: An Able Political Organiser Who Made BJP a Formidable Force in Karnataka.

Among prominent leaders who attended the cremation include Union Minister DV Sadananda Gowda, Karnataka State Minister DK Shivakumar, Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti and BJP State President BS Yeddyurappa.

Kumar, 59, breathed his last at the Shankara Cancer Hospital, where he was admitted months ago after being diagnosed with cancer. His condition deteriorated two weeks ago, which necessitated him to be kept on life support system.

On his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the nation has suffered a major loss. Modi recalled Kumar as a person who was dedicated towards the nation. I am extremely shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of Union Minister Shri Ananth Kumar. Such an early age demise is even a bigger and irreparable loss to all of us and the country," he said.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi also condoled the demise, tweeting:

Kumar, a six-time MP from Bengaluru South Lok Sabha constituency, is considered as the architect of the BJP in Karnataka. He, along with senior BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa, is credited for the party's only victory in a southern Indian state.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 13, 2018 03:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).