Three-time MLA for Madikeri and former Minister M.M. Nanaiah (75) passed away at a private nursing home in Madikeri around 6 p.m. on Sunday. He is survived by his wife Prema and sons Subramanya and Naveen.
Born in Napoklu, Nanaiah completed his LLB before entering politics. He was an ardent Congressman, and a close associate of D. Devaraj Urs and R. Gundu Rao. Though out of active politics, he continued to practice as an advocate till September last year.
Nanaiah was the Minister for Excise besides holding the portfolio of Minister for Infrastructure in S.M. Krishna’s Cabinet. He was also the general secretary of KPCC and held the post of district in-charge Minister of Kodagu.
Family sources said that the last rites would be performed at his native place in Napoklu on Monday.
Senior politicians cutting across party lines condoled his demise. Veteran leader and former MLC M.C. Nanaiah said the State had lost a great leader. KPCC president and Home Minister G. Parameshwara and Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies Dinesh Gundu Rao also expressed their sorrow.
