Karnataka: Ex- Minister, Senior Congress Leader Bheemanna Khandre Dies
A freedom fighter and prominent social reformer, Khandre played a pivotal role in public life beyond politics
By : Gururaj A Paniyadi
Update: 2026-01-17 01:32 GMT
Bidar: The final rites of senior Congress leader and freedom fighter Bheemanna Khandre were conducted on Saturday with full state honour, drawing thousands of citizens, political leaders, and religious figures to pay their last respects.
Among those present were Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, BJP State President BY Vijayendra, cabinet ministers, MLAs, former ministers, and members of the Legislative Council, along with leaders from across the state and nation.
Religious leaders, including Shrimad Rambhapuri Jagadguru, Kashi Jagadguru, Ilkal Swamiji, Jayamrityunjaya Swamiji, and Dr Basavalinga Pattadevaru, also attended, offering blessings and paying tribute.
Thousands of citizens gathered to honour his contributions, transcending party lines and social divisions.
In the morning, at the Khandre residence in Gandhiganj, the family performed the Mahaarathi rituals under the guidance of Dr Basavalinga Pattadevaru of the Bhalki Hiremath and Gurubasava Pattaddevaru. The sacred ceremonies included ritual bathing, Lingapooja, application of sacred ash, adorning with Rudraksha beads, incense, lamp offerings, and paadapooja.
Family members participated in the rituals and performed the aarti. Following the ceremonial rites, the public was given the opportunity to pay their respects.
Thousands of citizens gathered to pay their final respects to Khandre. Local shopkeepers voluntarily closed their businesses, honoring the veteran leader who had worked tirelessly for his constituency.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remembered Bhimanna Khandre as a socially committed leader who led a meaningful life.
He spoke after paying his last respects to the centenarian Congress veteran.
“Bhimanna Khandre was a fighter who always stood against injustice. Inspired by the freedom movement and influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, he actively participated in numerous struggles,” he said.
“He took part in the Hyderabad-Karnataka liberation movement and the unification of Karnataka. Known as a people-centric activist, Khandre raised his voice wherever injustice prevailed,” he added.
He noted that if Bidar remains part of Karnataka today, it is a result of Khandre’s struggle for unification. Khandre was not just a politician but also a dedicated social worker, serving society for decades and representing people from all walks of life.
Religious leaders, including Shrimad Rambhapuri Jagadguru, Kashi Jagadguru, Ilkal Swamiji, Jayamrityunjaya Swamiji, and Dr Basavalinga Pattadevaru, also attended, offering blessings and paying tribute.
Thousands of citizens gathered to honour his contributions, transcending party lines and social divisions.
In the morning, at the Khandre residence in Gandhiganj, the family performed the Mahaarathi rituals under the guidance of Dr Basavalinga Pattadevaru of the Bhalki Hiremath and Gurubasava Pattaddevaru. The sacred ceremonies included ritual bathing, Lingapooja, application of sacred ash, adorning with Rudraksha beads, incense, lamp offerings, and paadapooja.
Family members participated in the rituals and performed the aarti. Following the ceremonial rites, the public was given the opportunity to pay their respects.
Thousands of citizens gathered to pay their final respects to Khandre. Local shopkeepers voluntarily closed their businesses, honoring the veteran leader who had worked tirelessly for his constituency.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remembered Bhimanna Khandre as a socially committed leader who led a meaningful life.
He spoke after paying his last respects to the centenarian Congress veteran.
“Bhimanna Khandre was a fighter who always stood against injustice. Inspired by the freedom movement and influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, he actively participated in numerous struggles,” he said.
“He took part in the Hyderabad-Karnataka liberation movement and the unification of Karnataka. Known as a people-centric activist, Khandre raised his voice wherever injustice prevailed,” he added.
He noted that if Bidar remains part of Karnataka today, it is a result of Khandre’s struggle for unification. Khandre was not just a politician but also a dedicated social worker, serving society for decades and representing people from all walks of life.