Bengaluru: Shamanur Shivashankarappa (94), the country’s oldest MLA, National President of the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha and MLA from Davangere South constituency, passed away on Sunday (Dec. 14) evening.
He was admitted to a private hospital in Bengaluru (Sparsh Hospital) a few days ago due to age-related ailments and respiratory problems. However, he breathed his last this evening due to ineffective treatment.
Shamanur Shivashankarappa
Illness and final moments: Shamanur, who had been undergoing treatment in the hospital for the past few days, was stable, his son, Minister S.S. Mallikarjun, had recently stated. However, today, as his health condition deteriorated, he died without treatment. Dignitaries including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had visited the hospital and enquired about his health.
Achievements in politics and public life:
- Birth: Shamanur Shivashankarappa was born on June 16, 1931 in Davangere. He was the second son of Shamanur Kallappa and Savitramma.
- Entry into politics: He entered politics in 1969 as a member of the Davangere Municipal Council and later became the Municipal Council President in 1971.
- Record win: Elected as MLA from Davangere South constituency six times (1994, 2004, 2008, 2013, 2018, 2023). He was also elected as MP from Davangere Lok Sabha constituency in 1998.
- Ministerial Position: Previously served as the Minister of Horticulture and Agricultural Marketing in the Congress government. He became the ‘oldest sitting MLA in India’ by winning the 2023 elections.
Education and Social Service: Shamanur’s contribution in making Davangere a ‘Vidyanagari’ was immense. He led hundreds of educational institutions as the president of Bapuji Educational Association. He also worked for the progress of the community as the president of the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha.
Family: The deceased is survived by his sons, Mines and Geology Minister S.S. Mallikarjun, S.S. Ganesh, S.S. Bakkesh and Davangere MP Dr. Prabha Mallikarjun (daughter-in-law) and a large circle of relatives.
