Shivanand Koujalagi, former minister and former MP, no more

Shivanand Koujalagi, who served both as a state minister and as a representative in the national parliament, died after a period of ill health. His political career began in the 1970s when he entered local governance and later rose to prominence within the Janata Parivar coalition. Over the years he held portfolios that dealt with rural development and public welfare, earning a reputation for steady administration in his constituencies.

Koujalagi was a close supporter of former chief minister Ramakrishna Hegde, aligning himself with Hegde's reformist agenda during the 1980s. After the Janata Parivar split, he moved his allegiance to the camp of H. D. Deve Gowda, reflecting the shifting alliances that characterised Karnataka politics at the time. His decision to join Deve Gowda’s faction was seen as a strategic move that helped consolidate the new coalition's influence in the state legislature.

Political leaders across Karnataka expressed condolences, highlighting his contributions to the development of rural infrastructure and his role in mentoring younger politicians. Analysts noted that his passing marks the end of an era for a generation of leaders who navigated the complex realignments of regional parties. The state will likely observe tributes and a period of reflection on his impact on policy and party dynamics.