Sushil Kumar Modi, the former deputy chief minister of Bihar, was admitted to the intensive care unit of AIIMS in Delhi, where he passed away at the age of 72. Union minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey became emotional as he recalled his memories of Sushil Kumar Modi, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party and former deputy chief minister of Bihar, who succumbed to cancer on Monday night. “I feel like I’ve lost a brother… he wasn’t just a friend to me. I never imagined I would have to face such a difficult day,” Choubey expressed tearfully.

“Sushil Kumar Modi ji wasn’t just a friend; he was family to me… it’s hard to put into words. He was always there for me, offering support and guidance whenever I needed it. Sometimes I would even scold him, but he never took offense. Sushil Modi ji was a truly gracious leader. Whenever he was upset with someone, he would say to me, ‘Choubey ji, I think I gave that person a good scolding.’ I’ve never known a leader as devoted to his party, the BJP,” the Union minister shared in a heartfelt video. Choubey, the Union minister of state, emphasized that Sushil Modi ji wasn’t just a leader but had been a part of his family for 55 years.

“I’ve lost my closest friend. It’s incredibly sad, utterly heartbreaking. May Baba Kedarnath grant him a place at his holy feet.” Sushil Modi had served as Bihar’s deputy chief minister from 2005 to 2013, and again from 2017 to 2020. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and several other senior leaders expressed their condolences for the BJP leader’s passing. The prime minister praised Sushil Kumar Modi’s pivotal role in the BJP’s growth and success in Bihar. “He bravely opposed the Emergency and made a name for himself in student politics. He was known for his diligence and sociability as an MLA. His profound understanding of political issues and commendable administrative work will always be remembered. His active involvement in the passage of GST is particularly noteworthy,” Modi shared on X.