Former Karnataka Minister and MP Shivananda Koujalagi Dies at 87; Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah Condole
Belagavi: Senior political leader and former Karnataka minister Shivananda Koujalagi died at the age of 87 on Friday following age-related ailments. He breathed his last at his residence in Bailhongal in Belagavi district.
Koujalagi, a prominent figure from the Kittur Karnataka region, had served three terms as MLA from Bailhongal and was also elected to the Lok Sabha from Belagavi. He was the father of Bailhongal Congress MLA Mahantesh Koujalagi and had also served as president of the KLE Society.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar expressed grief over his death, recalling Koujalagi’s contributions to the state during his tenure as a minister and elected representative. He said Koujalagi had made significant contributions to education, the cooperative sector and social service.
Shivakumar described his death as a major loss to the political and social circles and conveyed his condolences to Mahantesh Koujalagi and other family members.
Former chief minister Siddaramaiah also condoled the death, recalling Koujalagi’s commitment to public service. He said that despite staying away from electoral politics in recent years, Koujalagi continued to respond to the concerns of people who approached him for help.
Siddaramaiah said the contributions Koujalagi made as an elected representative would remain in public memory. He expressed solidarity with Mahantesh Koujalagi and the bereaved family and prayed for the departed leader’s soul to rest in peace.
