Veteran Congress Leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa Passes Away at 94, Remembered for Lifelong Public Service | Karnataka News

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Davanagere, Karnataka - Renowned Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, one of the longest-serving legislators in Karnataka, was laid to rest on Monday, aged 94. Shivashankarappa, a stalwart in Karnataka's civic politics, breathed his last on Sunday evening after a prolonged battle with age-related ailments. In a grand procession spanning 15 kilometers, his mortal remains were taken to the Kaleshwara Rice Mill in Davanagere, where the final rites were performed according to Veerashaiva Lingayat customs. The police paid their last respects with a gun salute, and the tricolor was draped over his body. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge were among the dignitaries who paid their respects to the departed leader. Spiritual leaders, including the Rambhapuri Shree and Shrishaila Peetha Swamiji, were also present. The funeral procession was attended by thousands of mourners, including party workers and the general public. Separate arrangements were made for VIPs and the general public, who gathered to offer condolences to the family. In the state assembly, a condolence resolution was adopted, and the House was adjourned till Tuesday. Speaker U T Khader praised Shivashankarappa's contributions to education, social life, and public service. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recalled Shivashankarappa's transformative work in Davanagere, establishing several educational institutions and helping the city recover from economic decline. The Karnataka government has lost a people's leader, and his family and lakhs of followers will miss him dearly. Shivashankarappa's legacy will live on through his contributions to public life and education. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his condolences on social media, praising Shivashankarappa's unwavering commitment to public service. Shivashankarappa is survived by his sons, including Minister for Horticulture S S Mallikarjun, and his daughter-in-law Prabha Mallikarjun, a member of the Lok Sabha from Davanagere.