Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 15 (NationPress) The Karnataka Assembly honored the legacy of veteran Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa by passing a condolence resolution on Monday. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and leaders from the opposition praised his significant contributions to both society and the party. Speaker U.T. Khader, while expressing condolences and reflecting on his achievements, adjourned the House until Tuesday morning.

In his remarks supporting the condolence resolution, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recounted Shivashankarappa's extensive public service and his impactful role in the social, economic, and educational advancement of Davanagere district.

Shivashankarappa entered the Assembly at 63, securing six consecutive terms as MLA. He also served as a Member of Parliament, marking a remarkable political journey. As president of the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha, he began his public career as a member of the Davanagere Municipal Council in 1969 and later took on the role of its president.

Through the Bapuji Educational Institutions in Davanagere, he founded numerous establishments, including engineering and medical colleges, effectively transforming the district into an educational center. His entrepreneurial endeavors made a lasting impact in various sectors, according to the Chief Minister.

Siddaramaiah acknowledged that during the downturn of the textile industry, Shivashankarappa successfully rebranded Davanagere. He also held the position of treasurer for the All India Congress Committee for an extended period and was respected for his amicable relations, earning the title of an “ajatashatru” (one without enemies).

Recalling personal stories, Siddaramaiah mentioned that he would often stay at Shivashankarappa’s guest house during visits to Davanagere and was invited to dine at his home. He fondly remembered celebrating his own 75th birthday in the city.

Shivashankarappa was known for his readiness to assist those in distress, having spent over Rs 6 crore during the Covid-19 pandemic to procure oxygen supplies, Siddaramaiah added.

The Chief Minister further noted that during his previous tenure as Chief Minister, Shivashankarappa served as a minister in his Cabinet. In 2016, he had requested that his son, S.S. Mallikarjun, be appointed a minister, a position he currently holds in the present Cabinet.

Siddaramaiah expressed sorrow that when he visited Shivashankarappa in the hospital two weeks prior, he was unable to communicate. “His passing marks the loss of a true people's leader. I pray for strength for his family and countless followers during this difficult time, and may his soul find peace,” the Chief Minister remarked.

The Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, shared, “Whenever I casually asked him about retirement, Shivashankarappa would insist he wanted to remain active in public life for as long as possible. Even at 94, he expressed a desire to contest another election. His life was a testament to his formidable character.”

Ashoka noted that traveling through Davanagere city, one cannot miss the institutions and hospitals established by Shivashankarappa, which underscore his commitment to education. Starting his political journey as a municipal member and later its president, he rose to become a Cabinet Minister.

Describing him as a formidable figure, Ashoka remarked that as president of the Akhil Bharat Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, Shivashankarappa spoke boldly without fear, and his statements were never contested.

Minister for Food, V. Muniyappa, emphasized that Shivashankarappa upheld principles of equality and never practiced discrimination.

The esteemed politician and six-time Congress MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Sunday evening, at the age of 94.

He had been hospitalized since October 23, suffering from age-related health issues.

At the time of his passing, he represented the Davanagere South Assembly constituency and had also served as a Lok Sabha member from the Davanagere Parliamentary constituency. His influence in Karnataka politics was profound, known for his extensive public service and strong grassroots connections.

His son, S.S. Mallikarjun, holds the position of Minister for Horticulture in the Congress-led Karnataka government, while his daughter-in-law, Prabha Mallikarjun, is a Lok Sabha member representing the Davanagere constituency.

Rahul Gandhi expressed his condolences on X, stating, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Shamanur Shivashankarappa ji. A steadfast Congressman, he dedicated decades of his life to public service with unwavering commitment. His contributions to Karnataka and to the Congress are immense and will be remembered with respect."

The mortal remains of Shivashankarappa were kept at the residence of his son, S.S. Mallikarjun, allowing family and admirers to pay their final respects.