Dr. Bheemanna Khandre, a former minister, freedom fighter and veteran politician, died late on Friday night at his home in Bhalki of age-related ailments. Last week, he celebrated his 102nd birthday and died around 10:50 PM on January 16. His son, Forest and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre, also confirmed the final rites would be conducted on Saturday, January 17, 2026 and all mortal remains put under public view at their Gandhi Gunj residence for well-wishers to pay their respects.
A Century of Public Service
Bheemanna Khandre, born on January 8, 1927, to Shivalingappa and Parvati Khandre, started his journey in the crucible of the independence movement. As a young man, he had been one of the prominent members of the Hyderabad Liberation Movement against the atrocities of the Razakars. His later role in Karnataka Unification moved him to become a pillar he guaranteed Bidar a place in the state.
Political Career and Cabinet Tenure
Khandre’s path through politics has been remarkably consistent. He held the position of MLA in the Bhalki constituency for 4 terms (1962, 1967, 1978 and 1983) and MLC from 1988 to 1994. It was during the M. Veerappa Moily government (1992–1994) that, as Minister for Transport, he was able to gain a reputation for his disciplined and open governance style. He also took the role of President of the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha, where he further strengthened the community's organizational wings.
A Champion for Farmers and Education
Out in the hinterlands of Parliament, Khandre was in the forefront of the cooperative field. He is a principal founder of Bidar Sahakari Sakkare Karkhane (BSSK) in Hallikhed and Mahatma Gandhi Sugar Factory in Hunjy, which greatly helped in the rural economy. In education, he founded the Shantivardhak Education Society, which runs several prestigious institutions including the Bheemanna Khandre Institute of Technology (BKIT).
The loss brought deep grief on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah: "Khandre was a legend who lived by the principles of Basavanna. His death is irreparable for the state and all of the Sharana movement." His two sons, Minister Eshwar Khandre and former MLA Vijaykumar Khandre, and grandson, Bidar MP Sagar Khandre, also make up the senior leadership.
ಮಾಜಿ ಸಚಿವರು, ನಾಡಿನ ಹಿರಿಯ ರಾಜಕಾರಣಿಗಳು ಆದ ಭೀಮಣ್ಣ ಖಂಡ್ರೆಯವರ ನಿಧನದಿಂದ ದುಃಖಿತನಾಗಿದ್ದೇನೆ. ಶರಣ ಚಿಂತನೆಗಳ ನೆರಳಂತೆ ಬಾಳಿದ ಧೀಮಂತ ನಾಯಕನ ನಿಧನದಿಂದ ನಾಡಿಗೆ ತುಂಬಲಾರದ ನಷ್ಟವಾಗಿದೆ.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) January 16, 2026
ಮಹಾತ್ಮಗಾಂಧಿಯವರ ನಾಯಕತ್ವದಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ಹೋರಾಟದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದ ಭೀಮಣ್ಣ ಖಂಡ್ರೆಯವರು ಬಳಿಕ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಏಕೀಕರಣ ಚಳವಳಿಯಲ್ಲೂ… pic.twitter.com/iaiPXTQruQ
