Veteran Congress Leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa Passes Away at 95

Karnataka Mourns the Demise of Senior MLA and Educationist Shivashankarappa

Senior Congress leader and six-time MLA Shamanuru Shivashankarappa passed away on Sunday at a private hospital in Davanagere due to age-related ailments. He was 95. With his death, Karnataka politics has lost one of its most experienced legislators, whose public life spanned several decades and combined politics, education, and community leadership.

A Long and Influential Political Journey
Shivashankarappa was the senior-most serving legislator in Karnataka and among the oldest lawmakers in the country. He represented the Davanagere South Assembly constituency six times, earning a reputation for electoral consistency and grassroots connection. His political career also included a term as a Member of Parliament and responsibilities as a state minister , reflecting his influence beyond constituency politics. He had been hospitalised since October 23 and passed away in the evening, according to hospital sources.

Role in Congress and Community Institutions
Within the Congress party, Shivashankarappa served as treasurer of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) for several decades, making him a key figure in organisational and financial management. Beyond party politics, he was the president of the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha , where he played a significant role in representing the interests of the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. Known for his outspoken nature, he did not hesitate to criticise even his own party when issues of governance or community welfare were involved.

Educationist and Enduring Legacy
Outside politics, Shivashankarappa was a noted educationist and industrialist who established several educational institutions in central Karnataka. His public legacy continues through his family, with his son S S Mallikarjun serving as a cabinet minister in Karnataka and his daughter-in-law Prabha Mallikarjun representing Davanagere in Parliament.

Leaders across political parties paid tribute, describing him as principled, simple, and deeply committed to public service.

Exam-Focused Points

• Shamanuru Shivashankarappa was a six-time MLA from Davanagere South .

• He served for decades as KPCC treasurer .

• He was President of the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha .

• He was among the senior-most legislators in India at the time of his death.