Bheemanna Khandre laid to rest with state honours in Bhalki
Bheemanna Khandre laid to rest with state honours in Bhalki
Thousands bid farewell to veteran Congress leader Bheemanna Khandre in Bhalki as state honours mark his funeral; son Eshwar Khandre leads the rites and leaders across party lines attend.
Veteran Congress leader Bheemanna Khandre, a freedom fighter and former Karnataka minister, died on Saturday at the age of 102 after a period of age related ailments. His long public life spanned the cooperative movement, agriculture and education, and he served as Transport Minister, shaping policy and keeping Bidar district within Karnataka. He was revered as a stalwart of the party and a mentor to many in the region.
From early morning, his mortal remains were kept for public viewing at the family residence in Gandhi Gunj area of Bhalki, drawing thousands of people from Bidar district and nearby regions who paid their respects. The townspeople paused work as a mark of respect and many lined up to offer floral tributes and prayers.
In the evening, his funeral procession wound through the main junctions of Bhalki before arriving at Shantidham farm on Chikal Chand Road for the final rites. As a sign of state recognition, the ceremonies were conducted with full state honours, reflecting the veteran leader status he held. His son Eshwar Khandre, who is the Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister, performed the last rites in keeping with family traditions, with his grandson Sagar Khandre, the Bidar MP, and other relatives in attendance. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also paid floral tributes and offered condolences, underscoring Khandres standing across party lines. Markets and many commercial establishments in Bhalki remained closed for the day as residents observed the somber occasion.
A former freedom fighter and a pivotal figure in Karnataka politics, Khandre also left a lasting imprint through his work in agriculture and education. He played a crucial role in strengthening the cooperative movement and guiding development projects in Bidar district. His leadership helped shape the region for decades, and his death marks the end of an era for many who worked alongside him. Though he is no longer with us, his contributions to public life, his devotion to service, and his dedication to the people of Karnataka are likely to be remembered for years to come.
