Ram Vilas Paswan on Thursday night breathed his last at a Delhi hospital. He had heart surgery at the hospital recently. Aged 74, Paswan was the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in the Modi government. The president of the Lok Janshakti Party, he was an eight-time Lok Sabha member and Rajya Sabha member.

Paying a rich tribute, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Paswan rose in politics through hardwork and determination. "As a young leader, he resisted tyranny and the assault on our democracy during the Emergency. He was an outstanding Parliamentarian and Minister, making lasting contributions in several policy areas," the PM added. "His interventions during Cabinet Meetings were insightful. From political wisdom, statesmanship to governance issues, he was brilliant. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti," he wrote.

Abhinav Prakash, a columnist, wrote that Paswan played a key role "in countering naxalites in Bihar in the 1990s" by touring villages to "strongly counter the communist propaganda among Dalits and others."

On Friday morning, Modi paid last respects to Paswan's mortal remains at the latter's residence. He spoke to his family members and consoled them.