Shimoga: Former CM Bangarappa Laid to Rest With State Honours
Pics: Yahya Hallare
Daijiworld Media Network - Shimoga (YH/PS)
Shimoga, Dec 27: Former chief minister of Karnataka Sarekoppa Bangarappa, known for his unique approach and self-respect, who showed concern for backward classes of the society during 40 decades of his political career, was laid to rest near Government Junior College in Soraba taluk of Shimoga district on Tuesday December 27.
Bangarappa passed away in a private hospital in Bangalore on Monday December 26. His wife Shakuntala, sons, daughters, relatives, and fans were present at the funeral.
Though Bangarappa was known by the people for his independent nature, multiple talent in various fields including music, sports, and straight forward attitude, in recent years, Bangarappa was disturbed by family issues and setbacks in his colourful political career.
Bangarappa’s body was brought from Bangalore to his home in Soraba, Shimoga district. At noon, the final journey began with more than 60,000 people accompanying it to reach the Government Junior College at 4 pm. Janardhan Poojary, former central minister, Belur Gopal Krishna, Inayatullah Shahbandari (TMC president, Bhatkal), Ramesh Kumar, Halappa ,MLA Soraba, G Parameshwar, Shivanand Naik, Zameer Ahmed, Banglore MLA, Pandu Naik, Prakash Naik, Nagappa Naik, Mahesh Naik, I S Naik, M D Naik, and other JD(S) leaders were present.
People from Bhatkal arrived for the funeral on 12 mini buses. Tight security arrangements were made. The bomb inspection squad also secured the area before the ceremony. Phone networks were jammed for about an hour.
Bangarappa's son, Madhu Bangarappa lit the funeral pyre. Thousands of Bangarappa’s fans stormed the funeral venue as the last rites were performed by his sons with full state honours. Three rounds were fired in the air by the police as a mark of respect. Ten Hindu priests conducted the last rites on behalf of the family members.
Chief minister Sadananda Gowda said that a memorial dedicated to Bangarappa will be built in Soraba as a tribute to his contribution to the state.
CM Sadananda Gowda, JD(S) state chief H D Kumaraswamy, former CM Yeddyurappa, BJP state president K S Eshwarappa, and state opposition leader Siddaramaiah and many other leaders were also present.