Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi passed away on May 13 at the age of 72. The news of his demise was met with shock and sadness among his colleagues and supporters. For the past few months, Sushil Modi has been battling with cancer.
Sushil Kumar Modi had been a prominent figure in the Bihar BJP and had served as the Deputy Chief Minister of the state from 2005 to 2020. He was also a former Rajya Sabha MP and had been a member of the BJP for over four decades. In April of this year, Sushil Kumar Modi revealed that he was suffering from cancer and would not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections due to his poor health.
His passing has left a void in the Bihar BJP and the political landscape of the state. The mortal remains of the former Deputy Chief Minister will be brought to his residence in Patna’s Rajendra Nagar area on May 14, and his last rites will be performed later in the day.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweets, “I am saddened by the news of the demise of our senior leader Sushil Kumar Modi. Today, Bihar has lost a great pioneer of politics forever. From ABVP to BJP, Sushil ji has adorned many important positions in the organisation and government. His politics was dedicated to the interests of the poor and the backwards. The void that has emerged in Bihar politics due to his demise cannot be filled for a long time. In this hour of grief, the entire BJP stands with his bereaved family. May God give a place to the departed soul in his lotus feet”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweets, "I am saddened by the news of the demise of our senior leader Sushil Kumar Modi. 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.… pic.twitter.com/oM4yvzcOf0
— ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2024
Several BJP leaders, including the incumbent Bihar Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, expressed their condolences and grief. “Heartfelt tribute to former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and former Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sushil Kumar Modi ji on his demise. This is an irreparable loss for Bihar BJP. Om Shanti Shanti,” Samrat Chaudhary posted on Twitter.
बिहार के पूर्व उप मुख्यमंत्री व पूर्व राज्यसभा सांसद श्री सुशील कुमार मोदी जी के निधन पर उन्हें भावभीनी श्रद्धांजलि।
यह बिहार भाजपा के लिए अपूरणीय क्षति है।
ॐ शांति शांति pic.twitter.com/IEyMeH2Htt— Samrat Choudhary (@samrat4bjp) May 13, 2024
Sushil Kumar Modi’s Political Career
Sushil Kumar Modi was a prominent political figure, began his active political career in 1990 when he successfully contested from the Patna Central Assembly, which is now known as the Kumhrar Vidhan Sabha constituency. His victory in the elections led to subsequent re-elections in 1995 and 2000.
During his tenure, Sushil Kumar Modi held several key positions within the BJP Bihar Legislature Party. In 1990, he was appointed as the Chief Whip, showcasing his leadership abilities and commitment to the party. From 1996 to 2004, he served as the Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly, playing a crucial role in representing the voice of the opposition.
Sushil Kumar Modi also made significant contributions in the form of filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against Lalu Prasad Yadav in the Patna High Court, which exposed the infamous Fodder Scam. This legal action showcased his determination to uphold justice and fight against corruption.
In 2004, he transitioned to the national level by becoming a member of the Lok Sabha, representing the Bhagalpur constituency. Additionally, Sushil Kumar Modi served as the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs in a short-lived Nitish Kumar government in 2000. Notably, he also supported the formation of the state of Jharkhand, displaying his commitment to regional development and the aspirations of the people.
In the 2005 Bihar elections, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) emerged victorious, leading to a significant political transition in the state. Sushil Kumar Modi was elected as the leader of the Bihar BJP Legislature Party, a testament to his leadership capabilities and the trust placed in him by his party members.
Following his election as the party leader, Sushil Kumar Modi made a remarkable decision – he resigned from his position in the Lok Sabha to take on the role of Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar. This move showcased his dedication to serving the people of Bihar and his willingness to take on responsibilities at the state level. As Deputy Chief Minister, Sushil Kumar Modi was entrusted with the Finance Portfolio, alongside several other departments.
His expertise in handling financial matters and his commitment to good governance shaped his tenure in office. After the NDA’s victory in the 2010 Bihar elections, Sushil Kumar Modi continued to hold the position of Deputy Chief Minister. Interestingly, he chose not to contest in both the 2005 and 2010 Bihar Assembly elections, opting instead to focus on campaigning for the BJP and supporting the party’s overall success.
In 2017, Sushil Modi played a significant role in the downfall of the JDU-RJD Grand Alliance government in Bihar. Over a period of four months, he relentlessly targeted RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his family, raising allegations of benami properties and irregular financial transactions. Sushil Kumar Modi’s continuous tirade against the RJD leadership created a political storm, ultimately leading to the collapse of the alliance.
Notably, Sushil Kumar Modi had served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar under Nitish Kumar for approximately 11 years. The duo, often referred to as the “Ram-Laxman ki jodi” in political circles, had shared a close partnership in steering Bihar’s governance. On December 8, 2020, Sushil Kumar Modi achieved another milestone in his political career.
He was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Bihar, filling the vacant seat left by the late Ram Vilas Paswan. With this victory, he became one of the rare leaders in India to have served as a member of both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, holding positions in both houses of the legislature. Sushil Kumar Modi’s journey has been marked by his influential role in Bihar politics, his commitment to exposing alleged corruption, and his ability to navigate the complexities of the political landscape.
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