Veteran Congress leader Bheemanna Khandre laid to rest with full state honours

BIDAR: Freedom fighter, veteran Congress leader and former minister Bheemanna Khandre was on Saturday laid to rest with state honours at the Shanti Dham here on Saturday. The mortal remains were interred near his wife’s samadhi, surrounded by thousands of people who have come to pay their last respects.

After public viewing till 2 pm, Dr Bheemanna Khandre’s body was taken in a procession to Shanti Dham from his residence in an open vehicle, and passed through Basaveshwara Circle, Gandhi Circle and Ambedkar Circle before reaching the burial ground. Thousands of people had gathered to pay their last respects to the veteran politician, who was a stalwart leader and a champion of social justice.

The state government presented a gun salute and other honours to the late leader, acknowledging his contributions to the state. The last rites were performed as per Veerashaiva Lingayat traditions, with thousands of devotees, seers and dignitaries in attendance. The last rites ceremony were performed with vibhuti, rudraksha and bilva patra, as per Veerashaiva Lingayat traditions.

The atmosphere was sombre, with many people in attendance, including several dignitaries including Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, BJP state president BY Vijayendra, and Minister H K Patil. Speaking on the occasion, Basavaraj Bommai described Bheemanna Khandre as a fearless leader who fought tirelessly for the rights of Hyderabad Karnataka. He said that Khandre’s contributions to the region would be remembered for a long time and that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

BY Vijayendra praised Bheemanna Khandre as a towering leader who made significant contributions to the state. He said that Khandre’s passing away was a great loss to the community and that his services would be remembered for a long time.

Bheemanna Khandre passed away at his residence in Bidar on Wednesday at the age of 103. He was a stalwart leader who made significant contributions to education, social work, politics, and religious fields. He was born on January 8, 1923, in Gorta (B) village in Hulsur taluk, Bidar district. He was elected as an MLA four times from the Basavakalyan constituency in 1962, 1967, 1978, and 1983.

He served as the Transport Minister in the Veerappa Moily cabinet from 1992 to 1994. He was also a two-time MLC in 1994 and 2000. Khandre was a prominent leader of the Lingayat community and served as the president of the All-India Veerashaiva Mahasabha from 1999 to 2011. He played a key role in the Karnataka unification movement and was instrumental in the construction of the Karanja dam, which benefited farmers in the Bidar district.

He was also involved in the construction of the Anubhava Mantapa and was a strong advocate for the rights of the Lingayat community. Khandre’s demise has been met with widespread grief, with many leaders and citizens paying their respects to the veteran politician. His son, Eshwar Khandre, is a current minister in the Karnataka government.

Bheemanna Khandre’s passing away has left a void in the political and social landscape of Karnataka, and his contributions to the state will be remembered for a long time.