Congress expresses grief over party leader Bheemanna Khandre's demise

Bengaluru, Jan 17 (IANS) Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday expressed grief over the demise of veteran Congress leader from the state Bheemanna Khandre.

Khandre, the father of Minister for Forests Eshwar Khandre, was one of the prominent Lingayat leaders from the Bidar region.

Khandre served as the president of the All India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha and was a four-time MLA from the Balki constituency.

He was a Transport Minister in 1992 and a two-time MLC.

Khandre, 102, passed away on Friday due to age-related issues.

Rahul Gandhi stated, "Saddened by the demise of senior Congress leader Sri Bheemanna Khandre. A freedom fighter, educationist, and stalwart Congressman, he devoted his entire life to the service of the nation and the people of Karnataka. My heartfelt condolences to Eshwar Khandre ji, the Khandre family, and all his supporters."

Kharge stated, "I'm deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Congress party's senior leader, former MLA, and former minister Shri Bheemanna Khandre. He was a gentle soul with a strong will, known for his straightforwardness and self-respect. He was always at the forefront of movements for the people, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi to join the freedom struggle. His contributions to Karnataka's unification movement will be remembered forever. His demise is an irreparable loss to our state."

"May his soul rest in peace, and may his family and countless followers find the strength to cope with this loss," the Congress President said.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is travelling to Bidar to attend the final rites of Bheemanna Khandre.

Expressing grief over the demise of "former minister and senior statesman" Bheemanna Khandre, Siddaramaiah said, "A strong leader who lived by his principles, his demise is an irreparable loss to our state."

"He was part of the freedom struggle under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership and later played a key role in Karnataka's unification movement. He fought tirelessly to keep the Bidar district in Karnataka and succeeded. His life's journey will be remembered forever. I pay my respects to his selfless service to society. May his soul rest in peace, and may his family and followers find strength in this difficult time," CM Siddaramaiah stated.

Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar said, "I'm saddened to hear about the passing of former minister and All India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha president Bheemanna Khandre.

"His contributions as a four-time MLA, two-time MLC, and minister will be remembered. May his soul rest in peace, and may God give his family the strength to cope with this loss. Om Shanti," Shivakumar said.

B.Y. Vijayendra, BJP state president and MLA, has expressed deep condolences on the passing away of Bheemanna Khandre, former minister and freedom fighter.

Vijayendra remembered Khandre's significant role in Karnataka's unification movement and his fight to keep Bidar district in Karnataka. "May his soul rest in peace, and may his family and followers find strength in this difficult time," he prayed.