Bengaluru, Jan 17 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, along with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, mourned the loss of esteemed Congress veteran Bheemanna Khandre on Saturday.

Khandre, the father of current Minister for Forests Eshwar Khandre, was a distinguished Lingayat figure from the Bidar region.

As the president of the All India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, Khandre was a four-time MLA representing the Balki constituency.

He held the position of Transport Minister in 1992 and served as a two-time MLC.

At the age of 102, Khandre passed away on Friday due to age-related health issues.

Expressing his sorrow, Rahul Gandhi remarked, "I am heartbroken by the passing of senior Congress leader Sri Bheemanna Khandre. A true freedom fighter, an educationist, and a stalwart of the Congress party, he dedicated his life to the service of both the nation and the people of Karnataka. My heartfelt condolences to Eshwar Khandre, the Khandre family, and all his supporters."

Kharge also shared his grief, saying, "I am profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of our senior party leader, former MLA, and minister Shri Bheemanna Khandre. He was a kind-hearted individual with a resolute spirit, known for his integrity and self-respect. He consistently stood at the forefront of movements for the people, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi to join the freedom struggle. His contributions to the Karnataka unification movement will be eternally cherished. His passing represents an immense loss for our state."

"May his soul rest in peace, and may his family and numerous followers find the strength to endure this loss," added the Congress President.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is en route to Bidar to pay his respects during Bheemanna Khandre's final rites.

Sharing his condolences, Siddaramaiah remarked, "A principled leader, Bheemanna Khandre's demise signifies an irreparable loss for our state."

"He was part of the freedom struggle under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and played a pivotal role in the Karnataka unification movement. He tirelessly fought to retain the Bidar district within Karnataka and succeeded. His remarkable journey will be remembered for years to come. I honor his selfless service to society. May his soul rest in peace, and may his family and followers find strength during this challenging time," stated CM Siddaramaiah.

Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar expressed his sorrow, saying, "I was saddened to hear about the passing of former minister and president of the All India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, Bheemanna Khandre. His legacy as a four-time MLA, two-time MLC, and minister will be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace, and may God provide his family with the strength to cope with this loss. Om Shanti," Shivakumar said.

B.Y. Vijayendra, BJP state president and MLA, conveyed his condolences regarding the passing of Bheemanna Khandre, a former minister and freedom fighter.

Vijayendra reflected on Khandre's significant contributions to the Karnataka unification movement and his efforts to maintain the Bidar district within Karnataka. "May his soul rest in peace, and may his family and followers find the strength to carry on during this difficult time," he prayed.