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, โ€œAnsari had tested negative for COVID-19 on Friday.โ€

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 Sorenโ€™s government.

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

Condoling Ansariโ€™s death Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said, โ€œI am hurt by the death of Haji Hussain Ansari.โ€

โ€œHe played an important role in the creation of our separate state,โ€ the CM added.

โ€œMay God rest his soul in peace and give strength to his family to bear the pain in difficult times,โ€ he further said.