Jagarnath Mahto represented the Dumri assembly seat in Giridih (File)
Jharkhand Education Minister Jagarnath Mahto died during treatment at a hospital in Chennai this morning. The 56-year-old leader had undergone lung transplant in Chennai after contracting Covid in November 2020.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren confirmed the senior Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader's death and called it an "irreparable damage".
"Our tiger Jagarnath Da is no more! Today, Jharkhand has lost one of its great agitators, combative, hardworking and popular leader. Respected Jagarnath Mahato ji passed away during treatment in Chennai," tweeted Mr Soren.
May God give peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this difficult hour of grief, added the Chief Minister.
Mr Mahto, who represented the Dumri assembly seat in Giridih four times, was airlifted to Chennai after he fell ill during the state budget session last month.
He is survived by a son and four daughters. The state government has declared a two-day mourning period and also cancelled a cabinet meeting scheduled this evening.
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and BJP leader Babulal Marandi also condoled the JMM leader's death, saying, "The departure of Jagarnath Ji, who fought like a warrior while defeating the disease for a long time, is very sad. Personally, I had always admired his vitality despite political differences."
(With inputs from PTI)