Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed passed away at the AIIMS hospital in New Delhi on Thursday.
According to reports, the 79-year-old was admitted to the hospital on December 24 with complaints of neck pain and fever. Over the last few days, doctors had put him on ventilator support after his condition deteriorated.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief, who was part of the ruling alliance in Jammu and Kashmir with the BJP, had taken over the state on March 1, 2014.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted "My heart felt sympathies to Mrs Syed, Mehbooba & the entire family in this most difficult of times. My & my family's prayers are with them."
The Hindustan Times reported that even before Sayeed fell ill, reports said he intended to hand down power to his daughter Mehbooba Mufti after completing one year in office on March 1, 2016. Mehbooba currently heads the PDP.
The BJP has also made it clear that they have no problem with Mehbooba taking over the reins.
My heart felt sympathies to Mrs Syed, Mehbooba & the entire family in this most difficult of times. My & my family's prayers are with them.
— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) January 7, 2016 Deeply condole the demise of J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed. He was a great leader. May his soul rest in peace.
— M Badruddin Ajmal (@BadruddinAjmal) January 7, 2016 Very sad news. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister mufti Mohammed sayeed is no more. Condolences and prayers
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) January 7, 2016 RIP Mufti Mohammed Sayeed. You were a reconciler and the wise elder statesman of J&K.
— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) January 7, 2016 Deeply pained to learn of J&K CM Shri Mufti Mohd. Sayeed's demise.He was known for his love for common people, specially the underprivileged
— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) January 7, 2016 Mufti Sayeed ji had a wonderful understanding of complex issues pertaining to J&K. He wanted to bring permanent peace to the valley.
— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) January 7, 2016 The demise of Shri Mufti Sayeed is an irreparable loss to Jammu and Kashmir. His departure has also left a big void in national politics.
— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) January 7, 2016