Vijayapura, Jan 21: In a shocking incident, JD(S) candidate for Sindagi assembly constituency, Shivanand Patil Somajala (54), died after cardiac arrest at his residence on Friday night.
Patil had recently joined JD(S) after leaving BJP. He was convinced to join JD(S) by Nagathan MLA Devananda Chavan.
An -service man and business man in Dharwad, Patil was a long term BJP member.
Hailing from Somajala village in Sindagi taluk, he was settled in Dharwad after his retirement from Indian army. He was involved in some businesses like security agency and others.
Seeing the plight of commoners during Covid-19 pandemic, he had helped poor people in and around Sindagi. He was attending public grievances for the last 4-5 years. After joining JD(S), he was instrumental in making Pancharatna Yatra and other rallies in recent days. His candidature was announced in the first list of candidates released by JD(S) recently.
Former CM HD Kumaraswamy has mourned the death and said he was one of his close leaders.
He is survived by wife, a son and a daughter. His last rites will be performed in Somjala village on Saturday afternoon.
