BN Vijaya Kumar, Karnataka poll-candidate, dies after heart-attack at rally
Sitting BJP MLA of Jayanagar in Karnataka, BN Vijaya Kumar, died in the wee hours today after a massive heart attack. He was 60. Kumar, who was seeking re-election from the same constituency in the upcoming polls, collapsed while addressing a rally last night. He was rushed to hospital, but expired at 1am. Kumar was much loved for his humility and sobriety.
Kumar was a two-time MLA and a regional party president
Kumar, who had joined the BJP in 1990, was a civil engineering graduate from Bengaluru's BMS College of Engineering. In these years, he served as general secretary as well as president of the Bangalore unit for over a decade. He had been elected from Jayanagar twice consecutively. During his term, he started several developmental projects in his constituency, including the Swachh Bharat campaign.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah pays tribute
Tributes pour in, even from political rivals
Tributes poured in from party-leaders as well as opposition. "His humility, dedication & commitment to party and people will be remembered," tweeted Karnataka BJP. "May God give strength to his family to bear this loss. We'll work to strengthen his ideals," posted BS Yedyurappa, the party's CM candidate. "Kumar was a sincere & hard-working leader. May his soul rest in peace," wrote CM Siddaramaiah.
What does this mean for the election?
Though the Election Commission hasn't made any announcement yet, now that a prime candidate of Jayanagar has died, it is likely to cancel the polls in this constituency scheduled on May 12, and hold them at a later date.
