PM condoles demise of former Karnataka CM Bangarappa

New Delhi/Bangalore, Dec 26 (ANI): The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condoled the passing away of former Karnataka Chief Minister and Parliamentarian S. Bangarappa, who breathed his last after a month long illness early this morning.

In his message to the wife of the departed leader Shakuntlamma, Dr. Singh said that Bangarappa will be remembered for his commitment and contribution to the welfare of the backward classes.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of your husband Bangarappa. Bangarappa was a widely respected leader who worked selflessly for the welfare of the people of Karnataka and the development of the State. He entered politics as a Congress member of the Assembly in 1967 and impressed all by his hard work. He became a Minister in the State in 1977 and later Chief Minister of Karnataka in 1990. He was elected to the Lok Sabha three times and served as a Parliamentarian with distinction," said Dr. Singh.

"Bangarappa will be remembered for his commitment and contribution to the welfare of the backward classes. I pray to God to give you and the other near and dear ones of Bangarappa the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. I pray for peace of the departed soul," 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)