Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Anil Madhav Dave passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 60.
The cause of death is not known. Reports suggest that Dave was unwell over the last few weeks. Dave had reportedly complained of uneasiness at his home on Thursday morning and was rushed to AIIMS where he passed away, PTI reported.
Dave passed away at his official residence. The exact time is not yet known. The incident came to light at around 7.30am, when his staff tried to wake him up. Dave's death was confirmed by a family friend, Meena Agarwal. "His body will be taken for embalming. And will be later taken to Indore," she told IANS.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his shock over the sudden death of the minister in a series of tweets. The PM said that he had discussed key policy issues with Dave even on Wednesday evening.
Anil Madhav Dave ji will be remembered as a devoted public servant. He was tremendously passionate towards conserving the environment.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 18, 2017
Absolutely shocked by the sudden demise of my friend & a very respected colleague, Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave ji. My condolences.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 18, 2017
He was appointed as MoS (independent charge) of the Environment Ministry on July 5, 2016.
Dave, a Member of Parliament of the Rajya Sabha representing the central state of Madhya Pradesh had been part of many parliamentary committees including water resources and issues related to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. He was also part of the Parliamentary Forum on Global Warming and Climate Change.
He was elected to Rajya Sabha first in August, 2009 and has remained part of the Upper House since then. He has also served as the BJP state Vice President for Madhya Pradesh.
Born to parents, Madhav Lal Dave and Pushpa Devi on August 6, 1957 in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, he completed his Masters in Commerce from Guajarti College in Indore.
According to government archives, he is unmarried.
He has also published many books both in English and Hindi. Sambhal Ke Rahna Ghar Mein Chhupe hue Gaddaro ,Amarkantak to Amarkantak, Beyond Cepenhagen are few of them.
Other than the PM, senior political leaders across party lines expressed their condolences.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi condoled the death saying that he will be remembered for his humble personality.
"Shocked by his sudden demise," Sonia Gandhi said in a statement.
The Congress leader then said that Dave was a "soft spoken and gentle human being".
"He will be fondly remembered for his humble personality," she added.
She also conveyed her condolences to members of Dave's family, admirers and supporters.
Union Ministers Venkaiah Naidu, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Rajnath Singh, DMK Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah were among those who tweeted expressing their grief.
Deeply shocked to learn about sudden demise of respected Environment & Forests Minister Shri Anil Madhav Dave Ji. May his soul rest in peace
— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) May 18, 2017
Saddened by the sudden demise of my colleague Anil Madhav Dave ji.My heartfelt condolences.
— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) May 18, 2017
Saddened to learn the sudden demise of Union Minister Anil Madhav Dave ji. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) May 18, 2017
So shocked. He was a simple man and passionate about environment issues. A good friend. #AnilMadhavDave #RIP
— Kanimozhi (கனிமொழி) (@KanimozhiDMK) May 18, 2017
(With IANS inputs)