Photo: CM Siddaramaiah inaugurates the Nudinamana of Congress MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa on Friday in DavanagereDavanagere: A tribute event for senior Congress leader and MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa was held on Friday in Davanagere. Political leaders across party lines, seers of various religious centres, and a large number of people attended.CM Siddaramaiah unveiled a statue of Shivashankarappa at the event. He said Shamanur Shivashankarappa, the oldest legislator the country had seen, died aged 95, causing a huge loss to both the state and the party. He added that Shivashankarappa lived a long life and was believed to have reached at least 100.DCM DK Shivakumar said, “Life is not permanent; what remains after death is eternal. Being called useful rather than a saint is a great virtue. I had a long-standing relationship with him. Shamanur, who possessed both wealth and a rich heart, has left behind ideals that continue to live on and serve as a testament. Living to 95 years, he set a record as a member of the legislative assembly.”Former CM and MP Jagadish Shettar recalled that he dedicated his achievements in the business sector to society. As a politician, he undertook socially oriented work. He fostered marital relations between the Veerashaiva-Lingayat sub-sects. “As the president of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, he strengthened the organisation. His decision that Veerashaivas and Lingayats are one prevented social division,” he added.Legislative assembly speaker UT Khader remarked that Shivashankarappa’s passing was not just a personal loss but marked the end of a chapter in value-based politics.Former chief minister BS Yediyurappa said, “Shivashankarappa was like my elder brother. He was supported by people beyond party lines.” Prasanna Renuka Veera Someshwar Swamiji, pontiff of Rambhapuri Balehonnur Peeta, urged the state govt to posthumously award him the ‘Karnataka Ratna’ for his contributions to the state’s progress.MP Basavaraj Bommai, ministers MB Patil, HK Patil, RB Timmapur, SS Mallikarjun, MP Prabha Mallikarjun, MLAs, MLCs, and others took part in the event.
