BJP Rajya Sabha member Ashok Gasti dies of COVID-19

New Delhi/Bengaluru:The newly elected Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, Ashok Gasti, who got admitted with COVID-19 infection to a private hospital in Bengaluru, passed away on Thursday night due to multiple organ failure.

In a hospital bulletin, issued earlier, it was stated that the 55-year-old Rajya Sabha member was admitted with severe COVID-19 pneumonia and was put on life support system in the intensive care unit(ICU).

The Hospital Director confirmed about the sad news of parliamentarian's demise in a statement saying that he passed away at 2231 hrs.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and several top political leaders condoled Gasti's untimely demise.

"Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Shri Ashok Gasti, Rajya Sabha member. He was known for his simplicity and commitment for the upliftment of the downtrodden. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. Om Shanti!", Mr Naidu wrote on Twitter.

Prime Minister Modi said that Gasti was a dedicated worker who worked hard to strengthen the party in Karnataka. "He was passionate about empowering the poor and the marginalised sections of the society. Anguished by his passing away. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti", the PM said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that he is shocked and pained by Mr Gasti's untimely demise. "Over the years, he served the organization & nation in multiple roles. My deepest condolences are with his family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti", he tweeted.

Gasti was elected to the Rajya Sabha on June 12 from Karnataka on a BJP ticket. Earlier he served as party in charge for Bellary district, Koppal district and Raichur district.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan offered his sincerest condolences saying that his thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family and his followers.

Karnataka Congress president D K Shivkumar also condoled Gasti's untimely death. "Deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing way of Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka Shri Ashok Gasti. My condolences to his family and friends", he said.(UNI)