Maharashtra Agriculture minister Pandurang dies of heart attack

Mumbai: Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Pandurang Phundkar died on Thursday following a massive heart attack here, a BJP official said.

Phundkar, 67, was admitted to the K.J. Somaiya Hospital on Wednesday where his condition reportedly deteriorated followed by the massive heart attack. He breathed his last at around 4.35 a.m. on Thursday.

Top Bharatiya Janata Party state and central leaders have expressed shock and grief over Phundkar's sudden demise.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other senior leaders will visit the hospital to pay their last respects.

Phundkar's body is likely to be taken to his native village in Khamgaon, Buldhana district of Vidarbha, for the last rites later on Thursday.