Bengaluru: Newly elected Rajya Sabha member Ashok Gasti, who has passed away due to COVID-19, was cremated with full state honours in Raichuru Taluk. His last rites were performed in Pothagal village according to Savitha Samaja rituals. The mortal remains of Gasti were consigned to flames following the Gasti customs and his elder son lit the pyres
Political leaders from the entire political spectrum paid their last respects to the BJP leader. His last rites were performed with full COVID-19 protocols with minimum participation following social distancing norms. Policemen and other dignitaries paid floral tributes and guard of honour to the departed soul.
Gasti was admitted to a private hospital after testing positive for the novel coronavirus. Fifty-five-year-old politician, who was admitted to Manipal Hospital on Old Airport Road on September 2 and diagnosed with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, passed away at 10.31 pm yesterday, hospital director Manish Rai said in a statement.
READ: BJP Rajya Sabha member Ashok Gasti passes away due to COVID
Condoling Gasti's demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was passionate about empowering the poor and marginalised sections of society.