Political leaders across India paid tributes to former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, who passed away on Monday, with Chief Ministers Nitish Kumar and Himanta Biswa Sarma expressing deep condolences.
Nitish Kumar, the current Chief Minister of Bihar, remembered Modi as a “true soldier of the JP movement” and a longtime ally who served as his deputy for many years.
“Late Sushil Kumar Modi was a true soldier of the JP movement. He also worked with us for a long time as Deputy Chief Minister. I had a personal relationship with him and am saddened by his demise,” Kumar said.
The Bihar CM paid tribute to Modi’s dedicated service, describing his death as an “irreparable loss” to the state’s political and social spheres. Kumar extended his deepest sympathies to Modi’s family and followers.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who worked closely with Modi during the early days of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, also mourned the veteran leader’s passing.
“I had the good fortune of working very closely with Shri Sushil Modi ji, particularly during the early days of the GST Council. He commanded respect across the political spectrum and displayed a remarkable ability to absorb various shades of opinion,” Sarma said.
Sarma highlighted Modi’s humble demeanor and the “gigantic wisdom and knowledge” he possessed, adding that the welfare of Bihar was always his topmost priority.
“Be it as Deputy CM or in various other capacities – even till his last breath – he touched lives of millions of people, as a loved leader in BJP or as an able administrator in the government,” the Assam CM stated.
Sarma expressed his sadness over Modi’s demise, calling it a “huge loss to Bihar and rest of Bharat.” He offered his deepest condolences to the former deputy CM’s family, followers, and well-wishers.
Modi, a veteran leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had a long and distinguished political career spanning several decades. He served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar from 2005 to 2014 and also represented the state in the Rajya Sabha.
As news of his passing spread, condolence messages poured in from political leaders across party lines, recognizing Modi’s contributions to Bihar and his unwavering commitment to public service.
The cremation and last rites of the former Deputy Chief Minister are expected to be carried out with full state honors in the coming days.