Bengaluru, December 15, 2025 – In a profound loss to Karnataka's political landscape, Shamanur Shivashankarappa, the country's oldest serving Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and a towering figure in Congress politics, breathed his last on Sunday evening. The 94-year-old veteran succumbed to multi-organ failure triggered by age-related complications at Sparsh Hospital here, marking the end of a remarkable six-decade journey in public service, education, and community leadership.
Shivashankarappa, who represented the Davanagere South constituency for the sixth consecutive term since 2008, passed away at 6:28 p.m. on December 14, 2025. His death has elicited an outpouring of grief from across the political spectrum, with leaders hailing him as a "model personality" whose simplicity, organizational acumen, and dedication transformed Davanagere district into a beacon of development.
## A Life Rooted in Humble Beginnings and Unwavering Service
Born on June 16, 1931, in Davanagere to Shamanur Kallappa, a textile businessman, and Savithramma, Shivashankarappa grew up in modest circumstances that shaped his lifelong commitment to upliftment. Educated up to the Intermediate level, he joined the family business, "Shamanur Kallappa and Sons," honing his entrepreneurial skills before venturing into public life. In 1954, he married Parvathamma from Vadnal village in Channagiri taluk, with whom he shared a partnership that extended into philanthropy and social causes.
Shivashankarappa's foray into politics began in 1969 when he was elected to the Davangere City Council. Re-elected in 1971, he served as its president from 1971 to 1973, demonstrating early leadership prowess. By 1972, he had taken on the role of honorary secretary at the Bapuji Educational Institution, an endeavor that would become synonymous with his legacy. His ascent within the Congress party continued as president of the Chitradurga District Unit from 1978 to 1980 and as the long-serving treasurer of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).
It was in 1994, at the age of 63, that Shivashankarappa stormed into state politics, winning the Davangere Assembly seat on a Congress ticket. This victory marked the beginning of an illustrious parliamentary career: he served as MLA from 1994-1998, returned in 2003, and then dominated Davangere South in 2008, 2013, 2018, and 2023. Between 1998 and 1999, he represented Davangere in the Lok Sabha, though he lost the subsequent election in 1999. During Siddaramaiah's tenure as Chief Minister, Shivashankarappa held ministerial portfolios for Horticulture and the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), channeling resources into agricultural reforms and rural development.
Beyond electoral politics, Shivashankarappa was a pivotal force in community mobilization. As the National President of the Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Mahasabha—later rebranded under his stewardship as the All India Veerashaiva-Lingayat Mahasabha—he championed unity within the Lingayat community. Amid demands for a separate Lingayat religion, he worked tirelessly to bridge divides between Veerashaiva and Lingayat traditions, organizing landmark conferences of Panchapeetha pontiffs and advocating for a stronger, unified ascetic and guru lineage. "He firmly believed the community would be stronger if the ascetic and guru traditions were united," sources close to the Mahasabha recalled.
His contributions extended far beyond the ballot box. As a philanthropist and educationist, Shivashankarappa spearheaded the growth of the Bapuji Educational Institution, turning it into a cornerstone of Davanagere's progress. Under his guidance, the institution flourished, providing quality education and fostering industrial growth in the region. He was equally adept in business, balancing his roles as a politician, industrialist, and social servant with remarkable finesse.
## Final Days: A Battle Against Frailty
Shivashankarappa's health had been a concern in recent months. Admitted to Sparsh Hospital on October 23, 2025, with a lung infection compounded by age-related ailments, he spent nearly two months in intensive care. His son, S.S. Mallikarjun, had optimistically shared earlier that week that his father's condition was stable and discharge was imminent. However, the veteran's resilience waned, leading to multi-organ failure despite round-the-clock medical intervention.
Hospital Chairman Sharan Shivaraj Patil, who is also Shivashankarappa's son-in-law, confirmed the details: "He had been under treatment at our hospital for nearly 45 to 50 days. He was admitted with a lung infection and age-related complications, following which his condition gradually worsened and led to multi-organ failure."
Just months prior, on June 16, 2025, Shivashankarappa had celebrated his 94th birthday (noted by some as his 95th, though official records confirm 94) with characteristic grandeur, organizing a mass wedding event in Davanagere attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The celebration underscored his enduring spirit and commitment to social harmony.
## A Family Legacy in Politics and Public Service
Shivashankarappa is survived by his three sons—including S.S. Mallikarjun, the current Minister for Horticulture, Mines, and Geology—and four daughters. His daughter-in-law, Dr. Prabha Mallikarjun, carries forward the family torch as the Member of Parliament from Davanagere. The family's deep roots in politics and education reflect Shivashankarappa's influence, with Mallikarjun often crediting his father for instilling values of selfless service.
## Tributes Pour In: A Void Across Party Lines
The news of Shivashankarappa's passing triggered an avalanche of condolences, transcending political affiliations and highlighting his stature as a statesman.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah mourned the loss, stating, "Shivashankarappa’s efforts transformed Davanagere district into a model region, cementing his legacy in the hearts of the people." Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar echoed this sentiment: "He dedicated his life to social service and made special contributions to the field of education. His departure has caused an irreplaceable loss to the state and the Congress Party."
Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda remembered him fondly: "His simplicity and his long service to the people in public life will always be remembered. His departure is an irreparable loss to the state." Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy praised his multifaceted success: "He was a model personality and achiever who succeeded not only in politics, but in education, industry, and social service sector." BJP leader and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai added, "His passing has caused an irreparable loss to the state and especially to Davanagere district, the Veerashaiva community, and personally to me."
Social media platforms overflowed with tributes, with the Congress party's official handle describing him as a "visionary who transformed Davanagere through his dedicated leadership of Bapuji Educational Institution."
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced, but sources indicate a state funeral befitting his stature, likely in Davanagere. As Karnataka bids farewell to one of its most revered sons, Shivashankarappa's life stands as a testament to enduring public service—a legacy that will inspire generations in the realms of politics, education, and community unity.
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