Veteran Karnataka Congress Leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa Dies at 94
Veteran Karnataka Congress Leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa Dies at 94
Karnataka's veteran Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa passes away in Bengaluru at 94, leaving a legacy in politics, education and social service.
Veteran Congress leader and Davanagere South MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa died at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Sunday evening after battling multi-organ failure and age-related complications. He was 94. He had been admitted to Sparsh Hospital on October 23 with a lung infection, and his condition deteriorated despite weeks of treatment, hospital officials said.
A towering figure in Karnataka politics, Shivashankarappa was the longest-serving legislator in the state and a prominent voice for the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. Born on June 16, 1931, in Davanagere, he rose from modest beginnings to lead a career that spanned politics, education, industry and social service. He served as a six-time MLA and was widely respected for his organisational abilities and mass connect.
Shivashankarappa also held the position of National president of the Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha, underscoring his influence beyond electoral bossiness to community leadership. His work extended to various fronts, including education and economic development, and he remained a unifying figure across political lines.
Condolences poured in from leaders across parties as Karnataka mourned the loss of a veteran statesman. Chief Ministers, former chief ministers and senior politicians noted his contributions to public life and community service, recognizing the breadth of his impact over decades of public service.
The hospital later confirmed that he passed away at 6:28 p.m. on Sunday, following a period of treatment for lung infection and age-related health issues. His family had earlier indicated that his condition was stable and he was expected to be discharged soon, but his health worsened in the days that followed. Shivashankarappa’s death marks the end of an era for Karnataka, a state that benefited from his leadership in multiple domains and his commitment to social welfare.
Cover image source: Veteran Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa passes away at 94 🔗
