Freedom fighter and Congress stalwart Bheemanna Khandre has passed away at the age of 100. He died in his hometown of Bhalki, located in the Bidar district of northern Karnataka. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will attend the funeral, which is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
A Life of Service and Struggle
Bheemanna Khandre officially turned 100 in November last year. He lived a remarkable life dedicated to public service. Khandre participated in India's freedom struggle under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. He later played a pivotal role in the movement for Karnataka's unification.
He fought to ensure the Bidar district remained part of Karnataka during the state's formation. His efforts in this regard were successful and are widely remembered.
Political Career and Family Legacy
Khandre served as the Karnataka Transport Minister for two years from 1992 to 1994. He was a four-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and a two-time member of the Legislative Council.
He began contesting Assembly elections in 1957. Khandre first entered the state assembly in 1962. His political legacy continues through his family. He is the father of current Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre and the grandfather of MP Sagar Khandre.
Condolences Pour In
Condolence messages have flooded in from top Congress leaders. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah praised Khandre as a "born fighter" whose footprints are "immortal in this soil." He highlighted Khandre's role in the freedom struggle and the unification movement.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar remembered his contributions as an MLA, MLC, and Minister. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stated that Khandre "devoted his entire life to the service of the nation and the people of Karnataka."
AICC president Mallikarjuna Kharge described him as "a gentle soul with a strong will," known for his straightforwardness. Kharge noted that Khandre was always at the forefront of people's movements.
Key Contributions and Personal Philosophy
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre shared insights into his father's life. He said his father lived as a Kayakayogi and Karmayogi, adopting the principles of Basavadi Sharanar. He stated his father lived all hundred years for the people.
Bheemanna Khandre was known for his simple lifestyle and spotless public life. People in Bhalki affectionately called him Baba. He was a man of his word and showed tolerance for all.
Notable Achievements
Khandre's career had several notable highlights:
- He served as President of the Bhalki Municipality in 1953.
- He was a strong advocate for family planning programs in the 1970s.
- He facilitated over 2,500 sterilization surgeries in a single day in Bidar, while condemning forcible procedures.
- As President of the All India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, he increased life members from a few thousand to over one lakh.
- He purchased land in Bengaluru to house the Mahasabha.
Bheemanna Khandre was also an educationist and a veteran leader of the Lingayat community. His life story is one of relentless service, from the freedom struggle to modern governance. The state of Karnataka mourns the loss of a true stalwart.
