Date:03/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/03/stories/2008120360410600.htm

Karnataka

Vishwanath Reddy Mudnal passes away in Gulbarga

Special Correspondent

V.R. Mudnal

Bangalore: The former Animal Husbandry Minister Vishwanath Reddy Mudnal, who served in the first-ever Janata Party Government headed by Ramakrishna Hegde, died in Gulbarga on Tuesday. He was 84. He represented the Yadgir Assembly Constituency in Gulbarga in 1983.

An upright politician, Mr. Mudnal, a big landlord in the district, used to sell his vast lands to dabble in politics. Later, he evinced interest in the activities of the Akhila Karnataka Veerashaiva Mahasabha and Basava Samiti, spreading the message of Basaveshwara throughout the length and breadth of the State. He had served as the working president and as president of the Basava Samiti. He was also the president of the Mahasabha. Mr. Mudnal was one of those who fought for the liberation of Hyderabad-Karnatak and its unification with the modern Karnataka, and worked for the development of the region.

Condolence

Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Mallikarjun Kharge and the former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, were among the leaders who expressed their condolence.