Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Feb 7: Former MLA Appanna Hegde B, a respected leader and community figure, passed away on Saturday. He was 91.

Appanna Hegde, who represented the Byndoor Assembly constituency as a Janata Party MLA from 1983 to 1985, was widely recognised for his lifelong dedication to public service and rural development.

A farmer by profession, Hegde began his public life in local self-government, serving as a member from 1960 to 1968 and as chairman from 1968 to 1983 of the Village Panchayat, before taking on broader roles in the Taluk Development Board and as vice-president of the Taluk Co-operative Marketing Society.

Beyond politics, he played a vital role in the social and religious life of the region. He was instrumental in the administration of several key temples, having served as chief and administrative head of the Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple in Basrur and as chief of the Sri Kolluru Mookambika Temple, further cementing his place as a community leader. He was also the founder chairman of the Bhandya Education Trust.

Hegde is survived by his two sons and three daughters.