Belagavi (Karnataka), 15 Dec 

The Karnataka Assembly on Monday mourned the demise of senior legislator and former minister Shamanur Shivashankarappa, with members across party lines remembering his contributions to public life, education and social service.

Shivashankarappa, the Davanagere South MLA, passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Sunday. He was 94. As a mark of respect, the Assembly was adjourned for Tuesday after members paid condolences.

Speaker UT Khader recalled Shivashankarappa’s long public journey, noting that he entered public life in 1969 as a member of the Davanagere City Municipal Council. He was first elected to the Assembly from Davanagere in 1994 and became a member of the 10th Legislative Assembly.

"Through the establishment of several educational institutions, including engineering and medical colleges, he made an outstanding contribution to the field of education. He left his distinctive mark across all spheres of social life. He was known for his boundless enthusiasm for life and his deep care and affection for the people he believed in," Khader said.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah described Shivashankarappa as ‘Ajatashatru’, a leader without enemies who was loved by all sections of society. "Davangere became famous because of the good works of Shamanur Shivashankarappa. He was the brand name of Davangere," the chief minister said, also recalling his contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic when he provided oxygen worth Rs 6 crore free of cost.

Leader of Opposition R Ashoka said Shivashankarappa was the senior-most member of the House. "He was so full of life that he told me once that there is no retirement age for him and had said he would even contest the next assembly election," Ashoka said, adding that he played a key role in transforming Davanagere into an education hub.

Senior BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar remembered him for turning Davanagere into ‘Vidya Kashi’, a centre of learning. The Legislative Council also paid tributes before adjourning proceedings for the day.