Piyush Goyal Given Additional Charge Of Consumer Affairs, Food And Public Distribution Ministry After Paswan's Demise

Union Minister Piyush Goyal has been given the additional charge of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution after the demise of union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) founder Ram Vilas Paswan on Thursday (8 October).

"The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has directed that Piyush Goyal, Cabinet Minister, be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, in addition to his existing portfolios," said a communique from the President's office.

A veteran politician from Bihar, Paswan breathed his last at the age of 74 after battling a disease for a while. He had undergone a heart surgery last Friday.

LJP chief and his son Chirag Paswan broke the news on Twitter on Thursday night. "Papa .... Now you are not in this world but I know you are always with me wherever you are. Miss you Papa," he tweeted, with a throwback photo of his childhood where Ram Vilas Paswan is seen hugging him.

Earlier today, the Union Cabinet met and condoled the demise of Paswan, and also observed silence for two minutes in memory of the late leader.

The Cabinet approved a state funeral for Paswan and passed the following resolution: "The Cabinet expresses profound sorrow over the sad demise of Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. In his passing away, the nation has lost an eminent leader, a distinguished parliamentarian and an able administrator."

(With inputs from IANS)