Statue of former Union minister B. Shankaranand unveiled in Belagavi

Karnataka’s PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi unveiled a statue of B. Shankaranand, former Union minister and veteran Dalit leader, in Belagavi on December 17.

The bronze statue has been installed near the residence of the late leader on Club Road.

“Mr. Shankaranand, who won seven parliamentary polls, inspired a generation of young leaders. He built a support base across a wide spectrum of society, and led by example,” the Minister said.

“The people of the district continue to remember the good work done by Mr. Shankaranand as a Union Minister. He established a public sector undertaking factory in Belagavi district, promoted growth of industries, education institutions and hospitals. He was one of the most influential politicians in the country. His word on choice of Congress candidates in northern Karnataka was never challenged in the party,” he said. Mr. Jarkiholi said he would help members of the Shankaranand family to enter and grow in politics.

KLE Chairperson Prabhakar Kore said that it was Mr. Shankaranand who brought him into politics after the death of his brother Chidananda Kore. “He took everyone along. He never harassed leaders of other parties. He extended help to people of all parties. He was so powerful that the party high command consulted him before appointment of Chief Ministers of some States. He supported the establishment and growth of the KLE hospital,” he said.

Veeranna Mathakatti, former chairperson of Karnataka Legislative Council, said Mr. Shankaranand chose him to represent the party from Ron Assembly constituency.” He worked hard for my victory. He worked among the common people and earned the trust of the people,” he said.

Pradeep Kanagali, MLC Prakash Hukkeri, MLA Ganesh Hukkeri, former MLA S.B. Ghatge, former Minister Shashikant Nayak, former MLC Mahantesh Kavatagimath, Mayor Mangesh Pawar, Deputy Mayor Vani Joshi, and Mr. Shankaranand’s family members were present at the unveiling of the statue.