Legislature pays rich tributes to veteran legislator and former Karnataka Minister Shamanuru Shivashankarappa

Both the Houses of the Karnataka legislature paid rich tributes to veteran legislatorand former Minister Shamanuru Shivashankarappa who died on December 14.

On December 15, legislators cutting across party affiliations hailed the 94-year-old entrepreneur-turned-politician as ajaathashatru (one without enemies).

In the Assembly, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recalled that Shivashankarappa was the seniormost MLA in India. Also, he had served the Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha for a long time as its president, he noted.

Beginning his political career in 1969 as a member of the Davanagere municipal body, Shivashankarappa had gone on to be elected an MLA six times and also served as an MP for one term, he recalled.

“If Davanagere has seen economic development, Shivashankarappa is responsible for it,” the Chief Minister said. He pointed out that the veteran legislator had turned Davanagere into a vidya Kashi (major educational centre). He had also played a crucial role in building a brand name for Davanagere as a textiles hub, the Chief Minister said.

He had spent ₹6 crore of his personal funds during COVID to get oxygen cylinders for the needy, Mr. Siddaramaiah said.

Recalling his 75^th birthday celebrations organised in Davanagere, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the event had been organized on land belonging to Shivashankarappa. “That was my first and last birthday celebration. I do not celebrate my birthday as no one is aware of the exact date of my birth. While my parents could not remember the date as they were illiterate, a teacher has mentioned a date during enrolment to the school,” the Chief Minister said.

Leader of Opposition R. Ashok recalled that Shivashankarappa used to issue statements regarding the Veerashaiva Mahasabha in a courageous manner without being scared of the feedback. “Only those with a tall stature like Shivashankarappa can issue such statements, and also digest them,” he said.

The veteran leader never believed in retirement and would say that he wants to contest the Assembly polls again, he said.

BJP member S. Suresh Kumar hailed Shivashankarappa as a unique politician who had an amazing love for life.

An obituary motion was moved and a minute’s silence was observed in honour of the departed leader.

In the Legislative Council, Chairperson Basavaraj Horatti, Leader of the House N.S. Bosaraju, Leader of Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and other members recalled the contribution of Shivashankarappa towards the development of Davanagere as a education hub and appreciated his entrepreneurial skills.