BENGALURU: Senior Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 95, was a multifaceted personality. He was equally straightforward, blunt and uncompromising in his speech and conduct (words). Whatever the situation, Shamanuru spoke directly and straight-forward personality sometimes created a lot of discussion at the party and community level.
As a senior Congress leader, Shamanuru Shivashankarappa was known as a forthright and unyielding figure. He spoke without hesitation when it came to the issue of the community’s welfare during his time as the national president of the Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Mahasabha. He was equally unreserved in party matters; those who knew him never dared to contradict him, and on many occasions, he spoke out beyond the party line.
When it came to removing B S Yediyurappa from the Chief Minister’s post, Shamanuru had condemned it outright. He had also openly said that B Y Raghavendra should win in Shivamogga. On the issue of the separate Veerashaiva Lingayat religion, he directly criticized the Congress government.
When the party refused him a ticket because of his age, he challenged the party and obtained a ticket anyway. In the 2023 term, when a ministerial post was not offered, he showed a ‘don’t care’ attitude. On community matters, he did not spare the party either, speaking bluntly and directly.
Thus, Shamanuru Shivashankarappa made headlines time and again with his straightforward and uncompromising stance. Despite his straightforwardness, he also had a colourful personality, flying helicopters and driving expensive cars. Shamanuru is said to have been the KPCC treasurer for more than a decade-and-a-half and single-handedly managed the expenses of the party office for more than 15 years.
