The political landscape of Karnataka bid a solemn farewell to one of its stalwarts as veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa was laid to rest with full state honours. The 94-year-old former minister passed away on Sunday at a private hospital, marking the end of an era in the state's politics.
Final Farewell with State Honours
The last rites for the respected leader were conducted on Monday at the premises of the Kalleshwara Mill. In a gesture befitting his long and dedicated public service, the Government of Karnataka accorded him full state honours. The ceremony was a somber reflection of the high esteem in which he was held by both his party and the people.
The final journey adhered strictly to the Veerashaiva-Lingayat traditions, a faith community with which Shivashankarappa was deeply associated throughout his life. The rituals were attended by a multitude of mourners, including family members, political colleagues from across party lines, and countless admirers from his constituency and beyond.
A Life Dedicated to Public Service
Shamanuru Shivashankarappa's demise represents a significant loss for the Indian National Congress in Karnataka. Having served as a minister, his career spanned several decades, during which he became a familiar and respected figure in the state's political arena. His commitment to his principles and his constituents remained unwavering until the very end.
His passing away on Sunday, December 14, 2025, was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes. Leaders from various political parties expressed their condolences, highlighting his dignified conduct and contributions to Karnataka's development. The use of state honours for his funeral underscores the official recognition of his service to the public.
Legacy of a Political Stalwart
The location of the last rites, the Kalleshwara Mill premises, holds significance for the local community. The large gathering witnessed the police contingent performing the ceremonial gun salute, a poignant part of the state honours protocol. This final tribute was a powerful symbol of the state's gratitude.
As the news of his passing spread, the focus naturally shifted to his legacy. Shamanuru Shivashankarappa was not just a politician but a patriarch for many within the Congress party in the region. His adherence to his cultural and religious roots, evident in the traditional rites, was a cornerstone of his public identity. His absence will undoubtedly leave a void in Karnataka's political discourse.
The event, reported by PTI on December 15, 2025, at 15:55 IST, concludes the chapter on a life devoted to the democratic process. The convergence of state ceremony and religious tradition during his funeral aptly captured the dual aspects of his long-standing role as a public representative and a community leader.
