Union Fertilizer & Chemicals, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar died in the early hours of Monday morning at a private hospital in Bengaluru.

Kumar (59), is survived by his wife and two daughters, according to an article in The Economic Times.

“Ananth Kumar had been ailing for some time and was treated at hospitals in London and New York. For the last few weeks, he was being treated at Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Shakarapuram, Bengaluru. He had been on oxygen support in the last few days after his health condition did not show much progress.”

Kumar represented Bengaluru South since 1996 and had won non-stop for six terms. He had earlier served as Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister and had involved himself in “building the BJP in Karnataka in an era the party’s future appeared bleak.”

According to an article in the Times of India, Kumar’s mortal remains will be kept at his Sumera on Lalbagh Road till 8 AM for family members to pay tribute.