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Updated Oct 30, 2026 · 17:03
Karnataka News Updated Oct 30, 2026

Basavaraj Bommai condoles Shivanand Koujalagi's demise

Basavaraj Bommai has condoled the demise of Shivanand Koujalagi, a former minister, MP and president of the KLE Society. Bommai said Koujalagi served three terms as MLA from Bailhongal and as Belagavi MP in 1996, and stressed his work in roads, infrastructure and rural development in North Karnataka. He added that Koujalagi prioritised education in rural North Karnataka and that the state has lost an experienced mentor.

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State lost an experienced mentor: Basavaraj Bommai condoles demise of former Minister Shivanand Koujalagi

​Hubballi, October 30

Former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai has expressed deep grief over the demise of veteran political statesman, former minister, MP, and President of the KLE Society, Shivanand Koujalagi.

He stated that the state has lost an experienced mentor.

​In a post shared on X, Bommai noted that Koujalagi left a distinct mark on both political and educational spheres in public life, dedicating his entire life to public service and educational advancement.

"Serving three terms as an MLA from the Bailhongal assembly constituency and as an MP from the Belagavi Lok Sabha constituency in 1996, he dedicated himself to public service. As the state's Public Works Minister, he placed special emphasis on the comprehensive development of Karnataka, with his contributions to roads, infrastructure, and rural development in North Karnataka being particularly significant," the post said.

​He highlighted that Koujalagi prioritised educational growth in the rural areas of North Karnataka, playing a crucial role in shaping the futures of thousands of students. His contributions to the development of the KLE Society, his visionary approach to education, and his deep concern for society will always be remembered.

Valuing societal progress and the future of future generations over power and status, his life and service will remain an eternal inspiration to all. His demise has caused an irreparable loss to the political, educational, and social spheres, and the state has lost a senior leader and an experienced mentor.

​"I pray to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul of Sri Shivanand Koujalagi and give strength to his family members, relatives, and countless admirers to bear this grief," Bommai stated.

— ANI

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