Hubballi: Minister Shivalli dies of cardiac arrest at 58

Hubballi: Municipal Administration Minister C.S. Shivalli died of cardiac arrest at a private hospital here on Friday. He was 58. The minister was admitted to the hospital after he complained of fever and vomiting.

He had undergone a heart surgery earlier and received treatment at the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) several times. He was a three-time MLA from Kundagol constituency. He won for the first time as an independent candidate in 1999 after which he joined the Congress party. He took ill while monitoring the rescue operation in Dharwad where a building collapsed a few days ago. He had accompanied Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy during his visit to the venue on Thursday.

The Kuruba leader was a close aide of former chief minister and senior Congress Siddaramaiah and was inducted into the Cabinet last year. A soft-spoken leader, Shivalli had concern for the poor and the downtrodden and had undertaken various development works in Kundagol constituency. He rose to fame soon because of his organizing skills. He was instrumental in setting up of Dr Rajkumar Fans’ Club in his constituency. He had participated in several agitations for the welfare of the downtrodden.

“Shivalli Kundagol hailed from a poor family and he was my good friend. He was a man of principles,” said Sawai Gandharva Vishwastha Samsthe Trust president Arvind Katagi. Recalling his contribution to Hindustani classical music, he said Shivalli used to actively involve himself in the festival held in Kundagol every year.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son. His funeral will be held at his birth place, Yaraguppi village.

His mortal remains will be kept for public viewing at Adaragunchi village in Kundagol taluk on Saturday. Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwar, Congress leaders Siddaramaiah and KPCC president Dinesh Gundurao are expected to take part in the funeral.