Sushil Kumar Modi, Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, breathed his last on Monday evening at Delhi’s All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The 72-year-old stalwart had been battling cancer and was admitted to the intensive care unit of AIIMS for the past month.
Modi’s significant contributions to Bihar’s political landscape and his role in shaping the BJP’s presence in the state are widely acknowledged. Serving as the finance minister of Bihar in two separate stints from 2005 to 2013 and from 2017 to 2020, Modi’s influence extended beyond the realm of politics. His absence from the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, due to health reasons, underscores the void felt by his departure, especially in Bihar, where he had garnered considerable support over three decades.
Throughout his illustrious political career, Sushil Modi held various key positions within the BJP, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the party’s ideals and the welfare of the people of Bihar. From his early days as a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) to his tenure as the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Modi’s commitment to public service remained unwavering.
PM Modi and Other Leaders Mourn the Death of Sushil Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his valued colleague and friend, highlighting Sushil Modi’s pivotal role in the BJP’s ascendancy in Bihar. The Prime Minister lauded Modi’s steadfast opposition to the Emergency and his tireless efforts in advancing the party’s agenda. He also commended Modi’s administrative acumen and his instrumental role in the passage of significant legislation such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST). “I am deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Sushil Kumar Modi ji. His active role in the passage of GST will always be remembered,” the Prime Minister said.
Home Minister Amit Shah also mourned the loss, stating, “Today Bihar has lost a great pioneer of politics forever. The void that has emerged in Bihar politics due to his demise cannot be filled for a long time.” Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid tribute to Modi’s legacy, saying, “His struggle will always serve as an inspiration for workers.” Opposition leaders like Mamata Banerjee, Tejasvi Yadav and Lau Prasad Yadav also mourned the Bihar leader.
Beyond politics, Sushil Modi’s legacy transcends party lines. His dedication to serving the nation first, the party next, and the self last, serves as a guiding principle for aspiring leaders and party workers alike. As Bihar bids farewell to one of its most eminent political figures, Sushil Modi’s life serves as a testament to the enduring impact of selfless service and unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people.
