Karnataka Minister Umesh Katti dies due to cardiac arrest

The Karnataka government has declared a day of state mourning on Wednesday. A funeral with full state honours has been announced. No entertainment programs will be held by the state on Wednesday and the national flag will be at half-mast on all government buildings.

Expressing grief over the death of his cabinet colleague and a “close friend”, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the state has lost an experienced statesman, dynamic leader and a loyal public worker.

Several of Bommai’s cabinet colleagues, including Water Resources Minister Govind Karjol, Health Minister K Sudhakar and several BJP leaders rushed to the hospital upon receiving the news.

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai, along with other members of the government, paid respect to Umesh Katti’s mortal remains at a hospital in Bengaluru on Tuesday night. (Express photo by Jithendra M)

State revenue minister R Ashoka termed Katti’s death a huge loss to the BJP and to the Belagavi district.

Leader of Opposition and former chief minister Siddaramaiah tweeted, “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of food and civil supplies minister Umesh Katti. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace.”

Eight-time MLA

Born in Belladbagewadi in Hukkeri taluk of Belagavi district, Katti was eight-time MLA from Hukkeri assembly constituency. He entered politics following the demise of his father Vishwanath Katti in 1985.

Before joining the BJP in 2008, Katti was with the Janata Party, Janata Dal, JD(U) and JD(S). He had earlier served as a minister in the Cabinet headed by J H Patel, B S Yediyurappa, D V Sadananda Gowda and Jagadish Shettar.

Katti was often in news for his statements demanding statehood for the north Karnataka region and also openly expressing his chief ministerial ambitions.