Former minister Sitaram Prasad passes away

PATNA: Veteran Congress leader and former minister Sitaram Prasad passed away at a private hospital here today after protracted illness, his family sources said.

He was 93. Prasad is survived by two daughters. A member of the state legislative assembly for four terms between 1969 and 1985 representing Shikarpur Assembly seat in West Champaran district, he had served as a minister in the government headed by the then Chief Minister Kedar Pandey in early 1970s.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, his predecessor Nitish Kumar and Legislative Assembly Speaker Uday Narayan Chaudhary have mourned the passing away of the veteran leader and recalled his contribution to the state polity.

Manjhi also announced a state funeral for the departed leader, an official release said.