Veteran BJP leader and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi passed away at the age of 72 on Monday, according to the Bihar unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Modi had publicly disclosed in April this year that he was battling cancer, which ultimately led him to forgo participation in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections due to his deteriorating health.
“I have been battling cancer for the last six months. Now I feel that the time has come to tell people. I will not be able to do anything in the Lok Sabha elections. I have informed the Prime Minister. Always grateful and always dedicated to the country, Bihar, and the party,” the former Rajya Sabha MP shared in an emotional post on X.
Sushil Kumar Modi’s body will be brought to his residence in Patna’s Rajendra Nagar area on Tuesday, May 14, with the last rites scheduled to be performed later in the day.
Political Leaders Mourn the Loss of Sushil Kumar Modi
Across the political spectrum, leaders expressed their sorrow over the loss of Sushil Kumar Modi, a prominent and respected figure in Bihar politics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to offer his condolences, highlighting the significant role Sushil Kumar Modi played in the BJP’s growth and success in Bihar. “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,” PM Modi remarked.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed his grief, describing Modi as a great pioneer of politics in Bihar. “I am saddened by the news of the demise of our senior leader Sushil Kumar Modi ji. Today Bihar has lost a great pioneer of politics forever. From ABVP to BJP, Sushil ji has adorned many important positions in the organization and government. His politics was dedicated to the interests of the poor and the backward. The void that has emerged in Bihar politics due to his demise cannot be filled for a long time. In this hour of grief, the entire BJP stands with his bereaved family. May God give a place to the departed soul in his lotus feet. Om Shanti Shanti,” Shah wrote in a heartfelt post.
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee also paid her tributes, acknowledging Modi’s significant contributions. “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,” she posted on X.
Sushil Kumar Modi’s career spanned decades, marked by a steadfast commitment to his constituents and party. Known for his dedication to the upliftment of the poor and backward communities, Modi held several key positions from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) to the BJP, impacting many through his leadership and vision.
His passing leaves a substantial void in Bihar’s political landscape, one that his colleagues and the people of Bihar will feel deeply for years to come. As the state and the nation mourn his loss, tributes continue to pour in, reflecting the widespread respect and admiration Sushil Kumar Modi garnered throughout his life and career.
