Dhruvanarayan’s last rites performed with full state honours

CHAMARAJANAGAR: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) working president R Dhruvanarayan’s final rites were conducted with full state honours at his native Heggavadi on Sunday. Several dignitaries and thousands of people were present at the funeral.

Dhruvanarayan (61), a former member of Parliament, passed away at a hospital in Mysuru on Saturday morning. Doctors at DRM Multi-Speciality Hospital in Mysuru confirmed the demise of the Congress leader. His mortal remains were brought to Heggavadi village at midnight and thousands of people waited to pay their last respects.

Dhruvanarayan’s body was draped in the Tricolor at his residence in Heggavadi, and the public was allowed to pay their respects. The District Armed Reserve Police Force fired three rounds in the air as a mark of respect even as the National Anthem played. A minute’s silence was also observed. Later, Dhruvanarayan was laid to rest as per Hindu traditions next to the graves of his parents.

Former CM Siddaramaiah, KPCC president DK Shivakumar, Akhila Bharat Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha state president Shamanur Sivashankarappa, KPCC working presidents Satish Jarakiholi, Eshwar Khandre, former ministers Dr G Parameshwar and Dinesh Gundurao also paid their tributes.

At the same time, Dhruvanarayan’s followers demanded that the state Congress leaders give the ticket for the upcoming Assembly election to his son Darshan from Nanjangud constituency.