Rakesh Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister’s son, who passed away at Brussels, was expected to contest the 2018 Assembly elections, according to Congress leaders in Mysuru. He had been politically very active over the last year.
While the Chief Minister’s younger son, Yateendra, a doctor, keeps away from politics, Rakesh was expected to follow his father’s footsteps. “His contesting in 2018 elections was almost certain and only the constituency had to be finalised. We have lost an upcoming leader,” said Mysuru District Congress president B.J. Vijay Kumar. People in Siddaramanahundi, the birthplace of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, are in shock over the untimely death of Rakesh.
Village elders and family members and relatives gathered at Chief Minister’s residence in the village, about 20 km from Mysuru, on Saturday evening on learning of Rakesh’s death in Brussels.
Rame Gowda, Siddaramaiah’s younger brother, and his children were consoled by the villagers. Some relatives recalled Rakesh’s last visit to the village recently to offer prayers at the village temple on the occasion of his birthday.
Siddaramaiah’s younger brothers — Sidde Gowda and Rame Gowda — live in Siddaramanahundi, while his younger sister lives in another village.
Condolences pour in
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi expressed condolences on social media. A tweet from Mr. Gandhi’s office said: “My heartfelt condolences to Siddaramaiahji on the passing away of his son. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in this time of grief.”
Governor Vajubhai R. Vala condoled the death, while BJP State president B.S. Yeddyurappa said Rakesh was active in public life and he shared Mr. Siddaramaiah’s grief. “It is devastating to lose a child,” said JD(S) State president H.D. Kumaraswamy.
Funeral at farm in Katur
The funeral will take place at G.M. Katur, around 15 km from Mysuru.
Family sources said Mr. Rakesh had purchased around 10 acres of farm land in Katur and had personally developed it as he was interested in agriculture. He had built a farmhouse there in the traditional village architectural style. “The irony of fate is that it will now be his final resting place,” sources said. Deputy Commissioner C. Shikha said she had received information that the body is likely to reach Mysuru on Monday morning. “As large crowds are expected to arrive for the funeral, necessary arrangements are being made there,” she said.
