Bengaluru, Dec 14 (NationPress) Shamanur Shivashankarappa, a distinguished politician and six-time Congress MLA, who also held the position of National President of the Akhil Bharatiya Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, has sadly passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Sunday evening. He was 94 years old.

As per Dr. Sharan Patil, his son-in-law, Shivashankarappa had been hospitalized since October 23 due to ailments related to his age.

He breathed his last around 6:30 p.m.

At the time of his passing, Shivashankarappa represented the Davanagere South Assembly constituency and had previously served one term as a Lok Sabha member from the Davanagere Parliamentary constituency. He was a towering figure in Karnataka's political landscape, renowned for his extensive public service and deep grassroots connections.

His son, S.S. Mallikarjun, currently serves as the Minister for Horticulture in the Congress-led Karnataka government, while his daughter-in-law, Prabha Mallikarjun, represents the Davanagere constituency in the Lok Sabha.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his sorrow, stating, "The demise of Shamanur Shivashankarappa, former minister, MLA, and national president of the Akhil Bharatiya Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, is profoundly saddening. Throughout his extensive public service, he remained free of controversy and devoted his tenure to public welfare. His passing is a loss for society."

Siddaramaiah further emphasized that Shivashankarappa's initiatives turned Davanagere district into a model region, solidifying his legacy among the populace.

"May his soul find eternal peace. I hope that his son S.S. Mallikarjun and the grieving family find the fortitude to bear this loss," he added.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also conveyed his condolences, stating, "The departure of Shri Shamanur Shivashankarappa, the Congress MLA from Davanagere South, and a senior politician committed to social service and education, is truly heartbreaking. I pray that God provides peace to his soul and strength to his family and a vast circle of admirers to endure this loss. Om Shanti."

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy expressed profound sorrow over the loss of the veteran leader.

In his condolence message, Kumaraswamy remarked, "The news of Shamanur Shivashankarappa’s passing is deeply distressing. He was a leader I respected immensely."

Recalling his contributions to politics, education, industry, and social service, Kumaraswamy hailed him as a role model who excelled in various domains.

"He was a straightforward leader who made noteworthy contributions during his ministerial tenure. His loss is a significant setback for the state," he stated.

Kumaraswamy personally reached out to Shivashankarappa's son and state minister S.S. Mallikarjun to extend his condolences and show support to the family.

Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar remarked, "The demise of Shri Shamanur Shivashankarappa, former minister, MLA, and senior Congress leader, is profoundly saddening. He devoted his life to social service and made substantial contributions to education. His passing represents an irreparable loss to both the state and the Congress party," Shivakumar noted, praying for peace for the departed soul and strength for the grieving family.

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashoka expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of the senior leader.

"Shivashankarappa enjoyed a lengthy and distinguished political career, having served six terms as an MLA and one term as an MP. He managed crucial portfolios in various state governments and made significant contributions as a minister," Ashoka added.

BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra stated that the veteran leader’s demise has resulted in immense grief.

"Shivashankarappa made considerable contributions to the state as an industrialist, MLA, and minister. As a prominent figure in the Veerashaiva Lingayat community, he tirelessly worked for unity and social upliftment," Vijayendra mentioned.

Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil described Shivashankarappa as a disciplined and philanthropic individual.

"He made significant contributions to education and public life and served the Congress party with dedication from the grassroots level. His pivotal role in establishing the Bapuji Education Institution and his involvement in developing the Srisaila, Ulavai, and Guddapura Danamma pilgrim centers are commendable," Patil remarked.

Patil concluded by stating that Shivashankarappa excelled in numerous fields, including trade, social work, and cooperative movements, and his passing is a substantial loss for both the state and society.