Sushil Modi, Senior BJP Leader and Former Bihar Deputy CM, Dies At 72; PM Modi, Other Leaders Mourn Loss

Senior BJP leader Sushil Modi died at Delhi's All-India Institute of Medical Sciences on Monday (13 May) evening.

The 72-year-old was battling cancer and was admitted in the intensive care unit of AIIMS for the last one month.

The stalwart leader, once the BJP's best-known face in Bihar, had opted out of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections due to his health.

He had announced this on social media with a post on X, formerly Twitter, on 3 April.

"I have been battling cancer for the last 6 months. Now I feel that the time has come to tell people. I will not be able to do anything in the Lok Sabha elections. I have told everything to the PM. Always grateful and always dedicated to the country, Bihar and the party," his post read.

His absence was expected to be felt the most in Bihar, where he had considerable influence on the party, built over three decades.

Over 11 years between 2005 and 2020, in two stints, he had served as the Deputy of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating, "I am deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Sushil Modi ji, my valuable colleague in the party and my friend for decades. He has played an invaluable role in the rise and success of BJP in Bihar".

"Strongly opposing the Emergency, he made a name for himself in student politics. He was known as a very hardworking and sociable MLA. He had a deep understanding of the issues related to politics. He also did a lot of commendable work as an administrator. His active role in the passage of GST will always be remembered. My condolences are with his family and supporters in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!" PM Modi wrote on X.

Other senior BJP leaders also mourned his loss.

Amit Shah stated, "I am saddened by the news of the demise of our senior leader Sushil Kumar Modi ji. Today Bihar has lost a great pioneer of politics forever. From ABVP to BJP, Sushil ji has adorned many important positions in the organization and government. His politics was dedicated to the interests of the poor and the backward. The void that has emerged in Bihar politics due to his demise cannot be filled for a long time".

BJP chief JP Nadda said, "The news of the demise of senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Shri Sushil Modi ji is extremely sad. From the Vidhyarthi Parishad till now, we have worked together for the organization for a long time. Sushil Modi ji's entire life was dedicated to Bihar. Sushil Modi ji's efforts have been very helpful in bringing Bihar out of jungle raj and putting it on the path of development. His absence is an irreparable loss for countless workers."