Bheemanna Khandre, a former Karnataka minister and freedom fighter, passed away at the age of 102 due to an age-related issue, informed his son and Karnataka forest minister Eshwar Khandre. A senior Congress leader from the Kalyana Karnataka region breathed his last late on Friday, January 16, at his residence.
He is survived by his two sons, including Forest Minister Eashwar and four daughters. Khandre was a prominent Veerashaiva Lingayat community leader who had served as state transport minister during Veerappa Moily's cabinet.
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Khandre was battling with age-related illnesses and respiratory problems for the past 15 days. He was first taken to a private hospital after he fell ill in Bidar, and later shifted to his home in Bhalk, Eshwar Khandre told The Times of India.
Bheemanna Khandre Career
Bheemanna Khandre was a lawyer by profession and later become political leader and served as first elected president of Bhalki Municipal in 1953. He entered the Karnataka Legislative Assembly in 1962, serving as an MLA four times, and was also a member of the Legislative Council twice.
Khandre also a cooperate leader and was a president of the Bidar Cooperative Sugar Factory in Hallikheda and the Mahatma Gandhi Sugar Factory in Huni. He contributed to the implementation of the Naranja and Karanja irrigation projects, strengthening the region’s agricultural infrastructure.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi extended his deep condolences on the passing of senior Congress leader and former freedom fighter. "Saddened by the demise of senior Congress leader Sri Bheemanna Khandre. A freedom fighter, educationist, and stalwart Congressman, he devoted his entire life to the service of the nation and the people of Karnataka," Gandhi said.
'My heartfelt condolences to Eshwar Khandre ji, the Khandre family, and all his supporters," Rahul Gandhi in a post on X.
Minister Eshwar Khandre said, "My father, Bheemanna Khandre, was widely known as a compassionate and visionary leader. He passed away last night at around 10:50 pm. Bheemanna Khandre lived a meaningful and purposeful life dedicated to social service. He devoted his life to serving the nation, promoting welfare, supporting the mother tongue, and upholding unity..."