The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Thursday, August 24, 2000,
Chandigarh, India

THE TRIBUNE SPECIALS

50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

TERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

M A I N N E W S

P.R. Kumaramangalam cremated
Tribune News Service

NEW DELHI, Aug 23 — The Union Power Minister, Mr Rangarajan Kumaramangalam, who died early this morning after prolonged illness, was cremated here with full state honours.

The 48-year-old minister, popularly known as Ranga, was suffering from acute myeloid leukaemia, a kind of blood cancer. He breathed his last at 4.40 a.m. after all his vital systems collapsed despite life support measures.

He was admitted to the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences on August 12 with multi-organ failure and had been on life support systems since then. He is survived by his lawyer wife Kitty, a son and a daughter, who were by his side when doctors pronounced him dead.

The body of Kumaramangalam was taken in a convoy from his 30, Aurangzeb Road residence to the electric crematorium on the banks of the Yamuna with state honours and the national flag flew at half mast as a mark of respect.

People from all walks of life, including his Cabinet colleagues, senior politicians cutting across party lines, industrialists, workers and students paid their last respects to the young and dynamic leader.

The Union Cabinet met this afternoon under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, and recorded deep appreciation for his services to the nation.

The President, the Vice-President, the Prime Minister and leaders from all political parties condoled his death as a great loss to the country.

In his condolence message, the President, Mr K.R. Narayanan, said, “Death has snatched away from our midst a dynamic personality, an able parliamentarian and an administrator who has made his mark in public life at a young age.”

“Concerned as I was to hear of his illness, I remained hopeful of his recovery,” Mr Narayanan said.

Expressing profound grief, the Vice-President, Mr Krishan Kant, said, “A cruel providence has terminated a life full of potential and promise, in full bloom.”

He said, “Kumaramangalam brought into politics youthful verse and dynamism.”

The Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, said, “The cruel hand of death has snatched away from our midst a young, dynamic national leader. For me it is personal loss — that of a dear friend and colleague.”

He said, “Kumaramangalam gave a new thrust to the country’s power sector and helped launch a national movement on power sector reforms.”

The Union Minister’s last days were mired in controversy over the treatment he received in Apollo Hospital five months ago. There were allegations that the hospital had not diagnosed his disease properly and had treated him for tuberculosis. However, Apollo Hospital denied the allegations and said it was prepared for a public probe on the issue.

Kumaramangalam’s death mourned
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Aug 23 — The Punjab and Haryana Governors, Lieut-Gen J.F.R. Jacob (retd) and Babu Parmanand, respectively, and the Punjab and Haryana Chief Ministers, Mr Parkash Singh Badal and Mr Om Prakash Chautala, respectively, today expressed deep shock over the death of Mr P.R. Kumaramangalam, Union Minister for Power, this morning in New Delhi.

In their condolences messages they described Mr Kumaramangalam as an able administrator, an intelligent parliamentarian, a seasoned politician and, above all, a popular leader of the masses who always advocated the cause of the weaker sections. In his death a void had been created in national politics which was difficult to fill. The country had been deprived of the valuable services of a staunch, energetic and promising nationalist.

In his message Mr Chautala said the cruel hands of death had cut short the bright career of Mr Kumaramangalam who left an imprint in various ministries by his uprightness.

Both Governors and the two Chief Ministers sent their condolences to members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty that his soul may rest in peace.

Meanwhile, Mr Chautala announced the cancellation of the dinner which was to be hosted in honour of deposed Fiji Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhary here tonight.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal also expressed his shock over the death of Mr Kumaramangalam. In a separate condolence message Mr Devi Lal described him as a dedicated politician and an able parliamentarian who played a vital role in formulating people-friendly national policies.

The president of the youth wing of the Indian National Lok Dal and MP, Mr Ajay Singh Chautala, also expressed his deep shock over the death of Mr Kumaramangalam.

Mr Kartar Singh Bhadana, Haryana Cooperation Minister, visited the residence of Mr Kumaramangalam to pay homage to the departed leader. He also laid a wreath on the body of Mr Kumaramangalam.