Haji Hussain Ansari, minority welfare minister of Jharkhand, died on Saturday at the Medanta Hospital in Ranchi.

Ansari, who had earlier tested positive for COVID-19, had tested negative for the infection o Friday.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya, informing about this to the media, said, “Ansari had tested negative for COVID-19 on Friday.”

It may be mentioned here that the 73-year-old leader was made minister for the second time in January this year in the Hemant Soren’s government.

Ansari was admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 treatment and he complained of breathing problem on Saturday.

Condoling Ansari’s death Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said, “I am hurt by the death of Haji Hussain Ansari.”

“He played an important role in the creation of our separate state,” the CM added.

“May God rest his soul in peace and give strength to his family to bear the pain in difficult times,” he further said.