Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 10: Senior political leader and Karnataka minister for planning and statistics, D Sudhakar (65), passed away early Sunday morning at KIMS Hospital in Bengaluru. According to official sources from the hospital, he breathed his last at 3:15 am after battling a severe illness for the past month.

Sudhakar was initially admitted to Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru for a knee surgery. However, he developed a severe lung infection following the operation. He was subsequently shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at KIMS Hospital in Electronic City, where he succumbed despite the medical team's best efforts.

Born on March 28, 1961, to N Dasharathayya and Kanchanamalamma, Sudhakar completed his primary and high school education in Challakere town of Chitradurga district. He later pursued his BCom degree from National College in Shivamogga.

Before stepping into politics, he managed the agriculture and liquor businesses he inherited from his father. Guided by former MLA N Jayanna, Sudhakar entered the political arena and steadily grew to become an influential leader and the district in-charge minister of Chitradurga.

Known for his simple demeanor, Sudhakar is survived by his wife Harshini, son Suhas, and daughter Spoorthi. The chief minister and several state dignitaries have expressed their deepest condolences over his untimely demise. A pall of gloom has descended across Chitradurga district following the news of his passing.