Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, expressed sorrow on Sunday over the demise of Karnataka Minister D. Sudhakar, describing him as a torchbearer of Congress ideology. Sudhakar, who served the poor of Karnataka, passed away at KIMS Hospital in Bengaluru after a month-long treatment in the ICU.
Survived by his wife Harshini, son Suhas, and daughter Spoorthi, Sudhakar, a four-time MLA, initially underwent knee surgery at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru. Subsequently, he developed a lung infection, leading to his transfer to KIMS Hospital, where he passed away at 3.15 a.m.
Born on March 28, 1961, in Challakere, Sudhakar, a Jain community member, ventured into politics after completing his B.Com degree. He represented the Hiriyur constituency as a Congress MLA and presided over the Chitradurga DCC Bank. Sudhakar’s notable service during the Chitradurga drought, where he personally cultivated and distributed fodder to farmers’ cattle, is fondly remembered.
Expressing grief, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar lauded Sudhakar’s public service and mourned the loss of a cabinet colleague. Similarly, Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, offered condolences, praying for peace for Sudhakar’s soul and strength for his family.
