Sun Dec 14 17:39:08 UTC 2025: ## Summary

The article reports on the death of Shamanur Shivashankarappa, a 94-year-old Congress leader, industrialist, and educationist from Karnataka, India. He was the longest-serving incumbent MLA in India at the time of his death, having won his seat for the sixth time in 2023. Shivashankarappa was also known for his role as president of the All India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha and his contributions to education and industry in the region. His political career spanned decades, marked by close relationships with prominent political figures and occasional controversies. He remained active in public life until his death, managing his business and philanthropic endeavors.

News Article

Lingayat Leader and Oldest Indian MLA, Shamanur Shivashankarappa, Dies at 94

HUBBALLI, India – December 14, 2025 – Veteran Congress leader, industrialist, and educationist Shamanur Shivashankarappa passed away on Sunday at the age of 94. Shivashankarappa was the senior-most incumbent Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in India, representing Davangere South for the Congress party.

Born in 1931, Shivashankarappa built a vast empire comprising educational institutions and industries. He entered politics in 1969, eventually winning his Assembly seat for the sixth time in 2023 at the age of 92. This made him the oldest MLA in the country, a feat he achieved by innovatively campaigning in an electric buggy.

Beyond his political career, Shivashankarappa served as the president of the All India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, a prominent Lingayat organization. His tenure was marked by attempts to reconcile divisions within the Lingayat community regarding its religious identity.

Shivashankarappa’s death marks the end of an era in Karnataka politics. He is survived by his family, including his son, S.S. Mallikarjun, a current Minister, and his daughter-in-law, Prabha Mallikarjun, a member of the Lok Sabha. His contributions to education, industry, and politics in the region will be remembered for generations to come.

Read More