New Delhi, June 4: Uttarakhand Finance Minister Prakash Pant passed away in the United States on Tuesday. Pant was undergoing treatment for the lung ailment in the US. According to reports, he almost fainted twice while reading the budget speech in February in the state assembly.

During his speech, he fell over the microphone but was helped by fellow members. Pant resumed reading his budget speech but again felt uncomfortable. He was then extended medical help. Prakash Pant was said to be the front runners for the Chief Minister's post in 2017 Uttarakhand elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his death and said, "Anguished by the passing away of Uttarakhand’s Finance Minister Shri Prakash Pant. His organisational skills helped strengthen the BJP and administrative skills contributed to Uttarakhand’s progress. My thoughts are with his family and supporters. Om Shanti."

Tweet by PM Modi:

The 68-year-old leader was the first speaker of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly. He was elected in the state assembly from Pithoragarh seat in the 2002 and 2007 but lost in 2012 elections to Congress leader Mayukh Singh Mahar. In his political career, he also held portfolios of Tourism, Culture, Pilgrimage Endowment, Parliamentary Affairs and Reorganization.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 05, 2019 08:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).