Karnataka loses senior leader D Sudhakar, minister dies in Bengaluru at 66

D Sudhakar, Karnataka’s planning and statistics minister and a senior Congress MLA, passed away in Bengaluru in the early hours of Sunday after a prolonged illness. He was 66.

Sudhakar had been undergoing treatment for a lung-related infection at the Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences in Electronic City for nearly two months. The hospital confirmed his death in an official medical bulletin issued on Sunday morning.

“Honourable Minister Mr Sudhakar D, aged 66, was declared dead at 3:15 am on 10.05.2026,” the statement issued by Medical Director Dr R Chinnadurai said. A prominent Congress leader from Karnataka, Sudhakar represented the Hiriyur Assembly constituency in Chitradurga district and was considered an influential political figure in the region.

His death prompted condolences from several senior leaders across the state. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he had visited Sudhakar during his treatment and had remained hopeful about his recovery.

“Sudhakar was a leader deeply committed to public service. People like him should have continued serving society for many more years. Despite all medical efforts and prayers, we have lost him today. This is a painful moment,” Siddaramaiah wrote in a message on X.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar described Sudhakar as a close associate and a leader who consistently raised issues related to development and welfare. “He was always concerned about the people of his constituency and worked tirelessly for development projects. His affection towards the poor and his dedication to public life made him widely respected,” Shivakumar said while expressing grief over the minister’s passing.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao also paid tribute, saying Sudhakar had spent over two decades in active politics and played a major role in organisational work as well as governance. “He strongly represented the concerns of farmers, backward communities and ordinary citizens. Karnataka has lost a responsible administrator and the Congress party has lost a committed leader,” Rao said.

Sudhakar was regarded as a grassroots politician with strong support in central Karnataka and remained active in public life until his health deteriorated in recent months.