Karnataka Minister Mahadev Prasad dies of massive heart attack in Chikkamagaluru

Bengaluru: Karnataka Cooperation and Sugar Minister H S Mahadev Prasad died of a massive heart attack at a private resort in Koppa in Chikkamagaluru district on Tuesday. Prasad (58) is survived by wife and a son. Local Congress leaders said as their repeated attempts to reach the Minister over phone and by knocking the door failed, his room was opened using a spare key and the body was found on a bed. He was in Koppa to attend an official function, official sources said.

Senior Congress leader & Karnataka Co-operative Minister Shri HS Mahadev Prasad has passed away. Our deepest condolences to his family.

— INC India (@INCIndia) January 3, 2017

Saddened by the demise of Minister Sri Mahadeva Prasad. My condolences to the family of Mahadev Prasad. pic.twitter.com/5WmYZtP858 — Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) January 3, 2017

He had undergone bypass surgery few years ago. Prasad, who represented Gundlupete constituency in Chamarajanagar district, was a close associate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Calling Prasad's death as unexpected and shocking, Siddaramaiah said he was one among his closest. "It is a huge personal loss to me and to Congress party. He was an able administrator and a clean politician. I have lost a close friend and a wonderful colleague," he said. State government has declared one-day government holiday today and announced three days state mourning. Prasad was a minister in the JD(S)-BJP coalition government headed by H D Kumaraswamy during 2005-07 and quit JDS and joined the Congress. Prasad's son Ganesh said that the body will be taken to Gundlupete by evening and last rites will be performed tomorrow.