Law Minister Khurshid condoles demise of former Karnataka CM Bangarappa

Bangalore/New Delhi, Dec 26 (ANI): Union Law and Justice Minister Salman Khurshid has condoled the demise of former Karnataka Chief Minister S. Bangarappa, who breathed his last after a month long illness early this morning.

Recalling Bangarappa's contribution in the development of Karnataka, Khurshid said: "As a friend, as a comrade and as someone who inspired the cause of all politicians who work for the emancipation of the down trodden, the upliftment of the poor and marginalized and he was always in every avatar during his very very bright political career, he was always an inspiration."

"I believe even in his passing away his memory will remain an inspiration for a whole new generation of young people who will learn from the way he conducted himself with style, aplomb and with great flourish," he added.

Meanwhile, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ananth Kumar also remembered the social work undertaken by Bangarappa.

"Bangarappa was a crusader for the sake of down trodden and backward classes. I share fond memories of Bangarappa when he was Member of Parliament, three times," he added.

Bangarappa, 79, who was suffering from kidney related problems, was undergoing treatment since December 7.

His mortal remains will be kept in Bangalore till this evening and taken to his village in Soraba taluk tomorrow for the last rites.

Bangarappa had recently joined JDS headed by former Prime Minister H D Devegowda.

Born on October 26 1932, Bangarappa entered politics in 1967 when he was elected to the state assembly and served the late Devaraj Urs ministry in 1972.

Bangarappa had played a key role in installing the first ever non-Congress government in Karnataka in 1983 when his outfit Karnataka Kranti Ranga supported the then Janata Party government headed by late Ramakrishna Hegde.

He was the Chief Minister between 1990-92 and after he was removed from the post, he floated the Karnataka Congress Party, which contested the 1994 assembly elections and won 10 seats. (ANI)