Patna/New Delhi: Former Deputy CM of Bihar, Sushil Kumar Modi, passed away on Monday evening at AIIMS, Delhi, at the age of 72 after battling cancer for several months. The veteran politician had been undergoing treatment for throat cancer at the prestigious medical institute in Delhi after being diagnosed three months ago.
Sushil Modi, a Member of Parliament from Rajya Sabha at the time of his demise, had held prominent positions in Bihar’s political landscape, having served as Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister in the state cabinet. He publicly disclosed his battle with cancer on April 3 via social media, expressing his gratitude for the support received and his dedication to the nation, Bihar, and the party.
Beginning his political journey during the JP movement in the 1970s in Bihar, Sushil Modi was associated with the RSS before venturing into active politics. His foray into student politics commenced in 1971, eventually leading to his election as a member of the Patna Central Assembly constituency in 1990. Subsequently, he represented the Bhagalpur Lok Sabha constituency in 2004.
In a strategic move, Sushil Modi resigned from his Lok Sabha seat in 2005 to contest elections to the Legislative Council, eventually assuming the role of Deputy Chief Minister, thus marking the inception of his association with Nitish Kumar. Serving as Bihar’s Finance Minister from 2005 to 2013 and again from 2017 to 2020, he played a pivotal role in steering the state’s fiscal policies.
Notably, Sushil Modi played a crucial role in the victory of the NDA in the 2005 Bihar elections, being elected as the leader of the Bihar BJP legislative party. His contributions continued as he assumed the position of Deputy Chief Minister post the NDA’s triumph in the 2010 Bihar elections.
Throughout his political career, Sushil Modi remained committed to his party’s cause, even refraining from contesting the 2005 and 2010 Bihar Assembly elections to focus on BJP’s campaign efforts. His demise marks the end of an era in Bihar’s political landscape, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and service to the state and its people.
