<span style="color: #222222;">Union Cabinet has condoled the demise of Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan. </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">During its meeting today, the Cabinet observed silence for two minutes in the memory of the departed leader.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">In its resolution, the Cabinet said, in his passing away, the nation has lost an eminent leader, a distinguished Parliamentarian and an able administrator.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Born on 5th July 1946 at Shaharbanni in Khagaria district of Bihar, Ram Vilas Paswan was one of the most popular leaders from the state and enjoyed strong mass support.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">He was elected to Bihar  Legislative Assembly in 1969 as a member of Samyukta Socialist Party. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Thereafter, he was elected as a member of the 6th Lok Sabha from Hajipur constituency in 1977 by a record margin. </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Describing LJP founder as the voice of the oppressed, the resolution said, he always championed the cause of marginalized sections of the society.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Cabinet also extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the government and the entire nation. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Cabinet approved state funeral to be accorded for Ram Vilas Paswan.</span><br />