Bangalore:
Former Karnataka chief minister S Bangarappa passed away in a private hospital in Bangalore early on Monday. He was 79 and is survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters and scores of admirers and friends.
The last rites of the former chief minister will be conducted at his native village in Sorab in Shimoga district on Tuesday with full state honours.
Bangarappa was admitted to a private hospital where he died, reportedly due to a kidney ailment. He is also reported to have slipped into a coma two days ago before the end came, sources said.
The mortal remains of the former chief minister were kept at his residence "Amma" in Sadavashinagar to allow people to pay respects to the leader.
The flamboyant leader, who had enjoyed the support of a mass base, served as chief minister for over 25 months during 1990-92 and was also elected to Lok Sabha thrice.
Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, Union External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, Union Corporate Affairs Minister M Veerappa Moily, Union Minister of State for Railways K H Muniyappa, Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, KPCC president G Parameshwar, former union minister Ambarish and scores of dignitaries visited Bangarappa's house and paid homage to the deceased leader.
Thousands of Bangarappa's well-wishers and fans thronged his residence to have a last glimpse of the former Socialist leader, whose political career spanned over four decades.
Heart rending scenes were witnessed when the body of the former chief minister was brought to his residence.
Leaders from a cross-section of society including film, politics, labour unions, education thronged Bangarappa's house to pay obeisance to the departed soul.