Shamanur Shivashankarappa, 94, a veteran Congress leader, former state minister and educationist, died on December 14 at 6:45 pm in Bengaluru after treatment at Sparsh Hospital for age-related ailments.
- Age: 94; Date: December 14; Place: Bengaluru.
- Former minister, six-time MLA and one-time Member of Parliament.
- President of the Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha.
- Led Bapuji Educational Association and the Shamanur Group (sugar, distilleries).
- Survived by son Minister SS Mallikarjun; family to announce final rites.
Widely respected as the ‘Ajatashatru’ for his conciliatory style, Shivashankarappa’s political journey spanned decades. Elected six times to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and once to Parliament, he held important ministerial portfolios in successive state governments and worked across party lines. His death marks the end of an era in Karnataka politics and public service.
The Legacy: Shivashankarappa left a multifaceted legacy as a politician, educationist and community leader. He served as president of the Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha, strengthening religious and social initiatives for the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. As head of the Bapuji Educational Association, he expanded higher-education institutions including the Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology. As an industrialist leading the Shamanur Group, he managed sugar and distillery businesses and supported local development, sports and welfare organisations such as the Ashakirana Trust for the Disabled and the Davangere Sports Club.
Top achievements:
- Six-time MLA and one-time Member of Parliament — sustained popular support across decades.
- Senior state minister with a record of principled governance and cross-party respect.
- Founder and leader in education and industry: Bapuji Educational Association and Shamanur Group.
Social proof: The news prompted an outpouring of condolences across Karnataka. The Chief Minister and former chief ministers, along with senior leaders from multiple parties, expressed grief and praised his steady hand in public life. Party colleagues highlighted his statesmanship and community service; opposition leaders acknowledged his integrity. His son, Minister SS Mallikarjun, paid a personal tribute, recalling his father’s lifelong dedication to public service, education and the welfare of the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community.
Family and party officials said details of the final rites will be announced shortly. Shivashankarappa’s long record of public service — in politics, education and social welfare — remains a lasting imprint on Karnataka’s civic life.
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