Shivamogga: Senior Congress leader and former Shivamogga City MLA HM Chandrashekarappa passed away on Sunday evening at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru following a cardiac arrest. He was 78.He was admitted to the hospital nearly 12 days ago after developing a blood clot in his leg that resulted in a mild stroke. Although he initially showed signs of recovery under the care of a specialist medical team, his condition deteriorated rapidly in recent days.His last rites were performed on Monday afternoon at his estate in Hosahalli, Shivamogga, in accordance with traditional Veerashaiva-Lingayat customs. Earlier, his mortal remains were kept at his residence in Basavanagudi, where hundreds of people paid their respects.Born into an influential agricultural family in Hunasaghatta village of Tarikere taluk, Chandrashekarappa inherited a strong political legacy. He was the son of former Tarikere MLA HM Mallikarjunappa, who played a key role in managing Indira Gandhi’s landmark Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha election campaign in 1978.
Former Shivamogga City MLA HM Chandrashekarappa
Chandrashekarappa first established himself as an arecanut grower and trader before entering public life. He served as president of the Shivamogga City Municipal Council, following in the footsteps of his uncle and former municipal president HM Lingamariyappa. Backed by former chief minister S Bangarappa, he entered state politics and won a memorable victory in the 1999 assembly elections, defeating BJP leader KS Eshwarappa from the Shivamogga City constituency.During his tenure as MLA in the SM Krishna government, Chandrashekarappa played a significant role in urban and rural infrastructure development. Key projects executed during his term included the Bommanakatte Ashraya Housing Colony, the permanent drinking water pipeline scheme from Gajanur to Shivamogga, and several road development and lake restoration initiatives.At the time of his death, he was serving as president of the Karnataka Former MLAs Forum and remained an influential figure within the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. He is survived by his two sons—former city corporator HC Yogesh and businessman HC Sharan—and a large network of family members, supporters and well-wishers across the region.
