Former Congress MP Iqbal Ahmed Saradgi passes away

KALABURAGI: Former Congress MP Iqbal Ahmed Saradgi (81) died in the wee hours of Wednesday at a private hospital here. He had been suffering from age-related illnesses for some time now.

Saradgi was elected MP twice in 1999 and 2004. He was also an MLC for one term. After Kalaburagi was declared a reserved constituency in 2009, Saradgi made way for current Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The mortal remains of Saradgi were kept at the National College Grounds here for public viewing and the last rites were conducted in the evening.

Congress president Kharge, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D K Shivakumar and other leaders condoled the death of the former MP. In a post on X, the Congress chief called Saradgi an educationist and philanthropist, who tirelessly worked towards the upliftment of the people of Gulbarga and championed the cause of welfare for all.

Deeply pained by the passing away of my dear friend, senior Congress leader and Former Member of Parliament from Gulbarga, Shri Iqbal Ahmed Saradgi.

An Educationist and a philanthropist, he tirelessly worked towards the upliftment of the people of Gulbarga, and championed the… pic.twitter.com/THFj5p0L0R

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) May 22, 2024

“Deeply pained by the passing away of my dear friend, senior Congress leader, and Former Member of Parliament from Gulbarga, Shri Iqbal Ahmed Saradgi. An Educationist and a philanthropist, he tirelessly worked towards the upliftment of the people of Gulbarga and championed the cause of welfare for all”, Kharge wrote.

Terming Saradgi’s demise as his personal loss, the Congress President added, “Right from his Councillor days to the time he became Gulbarga’s MP and beyond, we have traversed together in this political landscape, so it is a great personal loss to me. In this hour of grief, my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and followers.”

Deputy CM D K Shivakumar also condoled the death of Iqbal Ahmed Saradgi. “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of former MP and senior leader Iqbal Ahmed Sardagi today. His departure is an irreparable loss to the political arena. I pray that God may rest his soul and give strength to his family to bear the pain of his separation. Om Shanti”, Shivakumar posted on X.