Veteran trade union leader Sharad Rao died in Mumbai on Thursday after a long battle with cancer. The 77-year-old was heading to Nanavati Hospital for a physiotherapy session when he breathed his last, PTI reported.

He was diagnosed with stomach cancer in November 2014, his son Shashank said. Rao's condition worsened on Thursday afternoon. "We immediately admitted him to the casualty ward of the hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival," Shashank added.

Rao headed a number of unions in Mumbai, such as the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport union and the Mumbai Autorickshawmen's Union.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "He had a huge impact on the working class...He stood up for all when they needed him till his last breath. He will be remembered by all."