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DK Shivakumar Mourns Congress Stalwart Bheemanna Khandre's Demise

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar paid heartfelt tribute to veteran Congress leader and freedom fighter Bheemanna Khandre, describing him as a towering personality and a great asset to the party. He recalled working with Khandre's family across generations in the legislature. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed condolences, honoring Khandre's life of service as a freedom fighter and educationist. Khandre's son, Minister Eshwar Khandre, noted his father's secular legacy and his roles as an MLA, MLC, and president of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha.

Key Points: DK Shivakumar Pays Tribute to Congress Leader Bheemanna Khandre

  • Veteran Congress leader passes away at 102
  • Tribute from DK Shivakumar and Rahul Gandhi
  • Served as MLA, MLC, minister, and Mahasabha president
  • Fought for independence and Hyderabad-Karnataka liberation
  • Last rites to be held in Bhalki
2 min read

Bheemanna Khandre was a great asset to Congress, says DK Shivakumar on senior leader's demise

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar and Rahul Gandhi pay homage to veteran Congress leader and freedom fighter Bheemanna Khandre, who passed away at 102.

"Bheemanna Khandre was a great asset of the Congress party. - DK Shivakumar"

Bidar, January 17

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday paid tribute to veteran Congress leader and freedom fighter Bheemanna Khandre, describing him as a towering personality who worked with loyalty for the party and played a key role in the development of Bidar.

Speaking to reporters after paying homage, Shivakumar said, "We all came to pay homage to a person who had made great achievements in his life. I had the opportunity to work with Bheemanna Khandre in the Legislative Assembly after 1989. I was an MLA with his son Vijayakumar Khandre. Again, I was working with his son, Eshwar Khandre. Now his grandson, Sagar Khandre, is working with us in Parliament."

Highlighting Khandre's contribution to public life, he added, "Bheemanna Khandre has worked socially, academically and as the President of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha. Bheemanna Khandre was a great asset of the Congress party."

Recalling his commitment to the party, Shivakumar said, "We had given him an MLC seat at his house. But he wanted his son Eshwar Khandre to win in the Vidhan Sabha... He was a great person who worked very loyally for the party and worked very well for the development of Bidar, and left behind a legacy."

Concluding his remarks, the Deputy Chief Minister said, "We have all come here on behalf of the party. May his soul rest in peace, and may God give all his followers the strength to bear the grief."

Earlier in the day, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also expressed condolences on X, calling Bheemanna Khandre a freedom fighter, educationist, and stalwart Congressman who devoted his life to the service of the nation and the people of Karnataka.

Karnataka Minister and Khandre's son, Eshwar Khandre, said his father lived a full life and left behind a rich legacy. He recalled that Khandre fought for India's independence and against the Nizam for the liberation of Hyderabad-Karnataka, and lived to the age of 102.

Describing him as a secular leader, Eshwar Khandre said his father believed in honesty, integrity, and discipline, and worked to unite all communities. He noted that Bheemanna Khandre served as an MLA, MLC, minister, and President of the All India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha for 12 years.

The last rites of Bheemanna Khandre will be held at Shantidham in Bhalki on Sunday at 5 pm.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's remarkable to see a political legacy spanning three generations. The Khandre family's dedication to public service in Bidar is a powerful example. My condolences to the family.
V
Vikram M
While we respect the departed soul, it's also a moment to reflect. We need more leaders like him today who put party loyalty and development above personal ambition. His sacrifice of an MLC seat for his son shows his character.
P
Priya S
A freedom fighter, educationist, and a secular leader who worked to unite communities. We have lost a gem. His life is a lesson for today's youth in politics. Om Shanti.
M
Michael C
The article mentions his role in the Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha. It's interesting to see how community leadership and state politics were intertwined for such veteran leaders. A full life indeed.
A
Ananya R
Heartfelt tribute from DK Shivakumar and Rahul Gandhi. It shows the respect he commanded across the party. His work for Hyderabad-Karnataka liberation is a proud chapter of our history. Deepest condolences.

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