Ranchi, Sept 6: Jharkhand minister and senior Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Sudivya Kumar died of cardiac arrest early Sunday, following which the state government announced a two-day mourning and cancelled all official programmes during the period.
Kumar, 56, who represented Giridih in the state Assembly for a second consecutive term, held the portfolios of Higher and Technical Education, Urban Development, Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Sports and Youth Affairs.
According to doctors, Kumar was brought to a private hospital in Giridih around 2.15 am after complaining of chest pain. Despite efforts to revive him, he could not be saved.
Dr Shahzad Shaikh of Mercy Hospital said Kumar had been experiencing chest pain for around two hours before arriving at the hospital. An ECG indicated signs of a heart attack, following which doctors initiated emergency treatment and resuscitation. He subsequently suffered a cardiac collapse and died despite medical intervention.
Kumar was cremated with full state honours in Giridih, with Chief Minister Hemant Soren, cabinet colleagues and political leaders from across party lines attending the last rites.
Soren and Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar travelled to Giridih and paid floral tributes to the departed minister.
Describing Kumar as an elder brother and close associate, Soren said his death had left an irreparable void in his life and the party.
“Sonu Bhaiya’s departure has left a void in my life that cannot be expressed in words,” Soren said in a condolence message.
The chief minister recalled Kumar’s association with the Jharkhand movement and his longstanding commitment to the JMM. He said Kumar had worked alongside the late JMM founder Shibu Soren and remained dedicated to the cause of Jharkhand’s identity, rights and pride.
The governor also expressed grief over Kumar’s untimely death, describing it as an irreparable loss to the state and extending condolences to his family and supporters.
The JMM termed Kumar’s death an “irreparable loss” to the party, the state government and Jharkhand, and remembered him as a committed party worker and minister.
Two-day state mourning
The Jharkhand government has declared September 6 and 7 as days of state mourning in Kumar’s honour.
As part of the mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-mast on government buildings across the state where it is regularly displayed.
All state government offices will remain closed on September 7, according to an official notification. The government has also cancelled its scheduled programmes during the two-day mourning period.
Kumar’s death has come as a major loss to the JMM, where he was regarded as a key organisational figure and close political aide of Chief Minister Soren.
