Venkataramanappa (80 years old) passed away peacefully on Friday morning in a private hospital in Bengaluru, where he had been in care for age-related health problems. He suffered a heart attack at 6 a.m., said family members who were present.
Venkataramanappa was a political leader of Pavagada in the Tumakuru district and had a long and influential political career in Karnataka. He served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) four times and even held ministerial positions twice during his political career. He was locally connected and lived a simple life, and he commanded the respect of political leaders and the public across party lines.
He was one of the senior leaders of the region and played a major role in the development of Pavagada and the surrounding areas in politics. Venkataramanappa had a strong base of farmers, rural communities and party workers over the years (see, e.g.,). He was active in public welfare work and development in the constituency.
Venkataramanappa was also a close associate of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Political friendship and respect for one another were frequently discussed in the political circles. Leaders from different parties were also offering condolences to the family after his death as a dedicated public servant and experienced politician who had an affinity with the people throughout his life.
He is survived by his family, including his son H V Venkatesh, who is now serving as the MLA of Pavagada constituency. His supporters and political workers gathered outside the hospital and at his residence after news of his death spread, mourning the loss of a veteran leader.
Several senior politicians will come to visit and pay their last respects. The funeral will be held at his native place with full honours and will be carried out in his native place. His death has sent a wave of grief through the Tumakuru district. He was much loved by his supporters, and his death has also come as a great loss because he was a very vocal leader of the people in this part of the region.
Venkataramanappa’s contribution to Karnataka politics (especially rural development and constituency-level leadership) will be remembered for years to come. His death marks the end of an era in Pavagada politics, where he was a prominent figure for decades.
