Veteran Congress Leader Bheemanna Khandre Passes Away at 102
Former Karnataka minister Bheemanna Khandre has died at the age of 102. His son and current Karnataka forest minister Eshwar Khandre confirmed the news. The senior Congress leader passed away late Friday at his residence due to age-related health issues.
A Life of Public Service
Bheemanna Khandre was a noted freedom fighter and cooperative movement stalwart from the Kalyana Karnataka region. He began his public career as the first elected president of Bhalki Municipality in 1953. A lawyer by profession, Khandre entered the Karnataka Legislative Assembly in 1962.
He served as an MLA four times and was also a member of the Legislative Council twice. Khandre held the position of Karnataka's Transport Minister in Veerappa Moily's cabinet. He was a prominent leader of the Veerashaiva Lingayat community.
Health Struggles and Final Days
Khandre had been battling age-related illnesses and respiratory problems for the past 10-12 days. He was initially admitted to a private hospital in Bidar before continuing treatment at his home in Bhalki. His son Eshwar Khandre provided details about his father's health condition in recent days.
The veteran leader is survived by two sons, including Eshwar Khandre, and four daughters. His family has been receiving condolences from across the political spectrum.
Contributions to Cooperative Sector and Education
Khandre played a pivotal role in the cooperative movement in Karnataka. He served as founding president of the Bidar Cooperative Sugar Factory in Hallikheda. He also led the Mahatma Gandhi Sugar Factory in Hunji as its president.
His contributions extended to agricultural infrastructure through the implementation of the Naranja and Karanja irrigation projects. Khandre championed education as president of Shantivardhaka Educational Institutions. He established Akkamahadevi College in Bidar and an engineering college in Bhalki.
Freedom Fighter and Karnataka Unification Champion
As a dedicated freedom fighter, Khandre actively protested the atrocities of the Razakars during the independence movement. He worked tirelessly to ensure that Bidar district remained part of Karnataka during the state unification process.
Khandre held the prestigious position of national president of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha. This apex body represents the influential Veerashaiva Lingayat community across India.
Final Rites and Political Tributes
Eshwar Khandre announced that his father's mortal remains will be kept for public viewing at their house in Gandhi Ganj, Bhalki on Saturday. The final rites will be performed according to Veerashaiva Lingayat tradition at Shantidham in Bhalki in the evening.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep grief over Khandre's passing. He described the veteran leader as a born fighter who stood firm to keep Bidar district in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah noted Khandre's participation in the freedom struggle under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also paid heartfelt tributes to the departed leader. Former chief ministers B S Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai expressed their condolences. State BJP chief B Y Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka joined in mourning the loss.
Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy too expressed grief and paid respects to Khandre's memory. Political leaders across party lines acknowledged his significant contributions to Karnataka's development.
The passing of Bheemanna Khandre marks the end of an era in Karnataka politics. His six-decade-long public service career left an indelible mark on the state's cooperative movement, education sector, and political landscape. The veteran leader's commitment to public welfare and community development will be remembered by generations to come.
