Udupi : Many eminent persons mourned the death of Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Chemicals and Fertilizers Ananth Kumar on Monday.

Vishwesha Tirtha Swami of Pejawar Mutt said he was saddened by the death of Mr. Ananth Kumar, whom he described as a great leader who had worked for the development of the State and country.

He recalled that the BJP leader had been instrumental in getting grants for the construction of the Kanaka Mantapa at Sri Krishna Mutt/Temple and for the development of Pajaka Kshetra and other projects. His untimely death is a big loss to the State, the seer said.

Vidyadheesha Tirtha Swami of Paryaya Palimar Mutt said Mr. Ananth Kumar had served with distinction as Cabinet Minister in both the Vajpayee and Modi governments. As Fertilizers Minister, he ensured there was no shortage of fertilizers. He was also involved in many social initiatives, especially in Bengaluru, the seer said.

Speaking at a condolence meeting organised by the district unit of BJP, Lalaji Mendon, MLA for Kaup, said Mr. Ananth Kumar had the capacity to handle any portfolio given to him. He took interest in seeing that the schemes of the Union government were properly implemented in the State, he said.

Mattar Ratnakar Hegde, president of the district unit of BJP, said Mr. Ananth Kumar had entered politics as a student leader and become a prominent leader in the State within a short period. It was under his stewardship as State president that the BJP bagged 84 seats in the 2004 Assembly elections, Mr. Hegde said, adding that the leader always encouraged the young in the party.

K. Raghupati Bhat, MLA for Udupi, called Mr. Ananth Kumar a great BJP leader, an efficient Minister, and his “political guru”. He called his passing a great loss.