Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Feb 16: Manjunath Bhandary, working president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and MLC, underwent emergency open-heart surgery at Narayana Health in Bengaluru after suffering a severe cardiac episode.

According to sources, Bhandary collapsed nearly 20 days ago while he was in Mangaluru. He was immediately airlifted to Bengaluru and admitted to Narayana Health, where doctors performed open-heart surgery.

Medical sources have advised him to remain on complete bed rest for three months and have strictly restricted visitors during his recovery. He continues to recuperate in Bengaluru under close medical supervision.

Amid growing concern, rumours had circulated suggesting that he had suffered paralysis. However, there has been no official confirmation of such claims, and details regarding the exact nature of his illness had not been publicly disclosed until now.

Bhandary has been politically active for nearly 25 years and was long associated with active politics in Shivamogga. After facing a series of electoral setbacks, he made a political comeback three years ago by contesting from the Dakshina Kannada–Udupi local body constituency, securing election to the Legislative Council.

Following his victory, there was widespread speculation that former minister Ramanath Rai would be appointed KPCC working president. However, in a surprise move nearly a month later, the party high command appointed Bhandary to the post instead. Thereafter, he consolidated his influence over the Dakshina Kannada district Congress, a period that also witnessed intensified factional politics within the party ranks.

News of his serious health condition has triggered concern among party workers and supporters. In a display of solidarity cutting across religious lines, district Congress leaders and well-wishers have organised interfaith prayer gatherings in Mangaluru for his speedy recovery. Over the past two days, special prayers were offered at a dargah in Ullal and at Infant Jesus Church in Bikarnakatte.

On Monday morning, leaders and supporters assembled at the Kadri Manjunath Temple, where a special puja was performed in his name, underscoring a collective appeal for his swift return to public life.