India’s food minister Paswan dies after weeks in hospital

Indian Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan, one of the most prominent Dalit leaders of the country who had been a part of several governments headed by rival parties, died on Thursday at the age of 74. The Lok Janshakti Party founder and Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution was admitted to a private hospital for several weeks and had recently undergone a heart operation. His condition deteriorated over the past 24 hours and he breathed his last at 6.05 pm, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute said in a statement.

Home ministry officials said a state funeral will be accorded to Ram Vilas Paswan and the national flag will fly at half-mast in Delhi and state capitals on Friday as a mark of respect. The mortal remains of Ram Vilas Paswan will be kept at his residence today. Post 2 pm, the mortal remains of Paswan will be brought to the Lok Janshakti Party office in Patna. The last rites of Paswan will be held on Saturday (October 10), in Patna.