Bengaluru, November 12: Late Union Minister Ananth Kumar's funeral will be held tomorrow in Bengaluru. Leaders cutting across party lines will arrive in the Karnataka capital to pay their final tributes to the BJP veteran.

Kumar died in the wee hours today at the Shankara Cancer Hospital here, where he was being treated for pancreatic cancer over the past two months. His condition had deteriorated three weeks ago, when he put on ventilator. Karnataka Govt Declares One-Day Holiday for Schools, Colleges & Offices, Announces Three-day Mourning.

"I am sorry to inform the sad news, that our beloved Hon’ble Minister Shri Ananth Kumar passed away today morning 2 am in Bengaluru from complications following cancer and infections. He had been in ICU and on ventilator for last few days," said an official statement from his office on Monday morning.

Kumar, a 6th term BJP MP representing Bengaluru South constituency, was serving as the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs. He was among the few national leaders who have never lost an election.

On his shock demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the nation has suffered an unbearable loss.

"Extremely saddened by the passing away of my valued colleague and friend, Shri Ananth Kumar Ji. He was a remarkable leader, who entered public life at a young age and went on to serve society with utmost diligence and compassion. He will always be remembered for his good work," PM Modi said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi also expressed sorrow over Kumar's death, saying, "I’m sorry to hear about the passing of Union Minister Ananth Kumar Ji, in Bengaluru, earlier this morning. My condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti (sic)."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 12, 2018 10:28 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).