<span style="color: #222222;">The Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from Karnataka Ashok Gasti has passed away in a private hospital in Bengaluru. In a statement issued by hospital Director Dr. Manish Rai, the 55 year old leader passed away at 10.31 pm yesterday. <br />'' <br />'' He was diagnosed with severe Covid-19 pneumonia and critically ill with multi-organ failure when admitted to the hospital in Bengaluru on September 2nd.  Ashok Gasti was the first time MP who had taken oath as member of Rajya Sabha on July 22nd. A lawyer by profession and former General Secretary of BJP, he had also served as Chairperson of the Backward Class Development Corporation in Karnataka.<br />''</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha today observed two-minute silence on the passing away of the sitting member of the Upper House Ashok Gasti. Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu said he was a dedicated social worker and able Parliamentarian. Rajya Sabha also paid homage to former member of Rajya Sabha Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan. Afterwards, the house was adjourned for 30 minutes.</span>