Ram Vilas Paswan was the minister for consumer affairs, food and public distribution (File)
Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has died, his son and Lok Janshakti Party chief, Chirag Paswan, informed on Thursday. He was 74. "Father, you are no more in the world but I know you will always be with me... Miss you papa," the leader tweeted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Dalit icon was a friend and valued colleague who rose in politics through hardwork and determination.
"I am saddened beyond words. There is a void in our nation that will perhaps never be filled. Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji's demise is a personal loss. I have lost a friend, valued colleague and someone who was extremely passionate to ensure every poor person leads a life of dignity," PM Modi tweeted.
President Ram Nath Kovind also tweeted his respects for the leader.
"Ram Vilas Paswan Ji's death is a very sad news. The poor-Dalit section has lost one of its main political voices. My condolences to his family," Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted in Hindi.
Mr Paswan "underwent a heart surgery" earlier this week at a Delhi hospital, his son Chirag Paswan had tweeted.
"Over the last few days, my father was being treated at a hospital. Yesterday night, due to the situation that had suddenly emerged, he had to undergo a heart surgery. If required, another operation may be needed. At the time of need, I thank you all for standing by our side," he had written.
Ram Vilas Paswan, who was the Lok Janshakti Party's founder, had been in active politics for more than five decades and was one of the country's most noted Dalit leaders.
He was the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in the central government.