Overview
- He died at his Bhalki residence around 10:50 p.m. on January 16 after 10–12 days of age-related illness and respiratory complications, his son Eshwar Khandre said.
- The family said the public can pay respects at the Gandhi Ganj home on Saturday, with last rites in the evening at Shantidham in line with Veerashaiva-Lingayat traditions.
- A lawyer by training, he entered public life in the early 1950s, served four terms as MLA and two as MLC, and was Karnataka’s Transport Minister in M. Veerappa Moily’s cabinet.
- He participated in the Hyderabad Liberation Movement, opposed Razakar atrocities, and worked to keep Bidar in Karnataka during state unification, earning Ekikarana honors.
- He founded sugar cooperatives at Hallikhed and Hunaji, backed the Naranja and Karanja irrigation projects, led Shantivardhak education institutions, and drew cross-party tributes from top state leaders.