Dharam Singh's demise is great loss to state, party: Siddaramaiah

After hearing the news of the demise of former chief minister N Dharam Singh, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah cut short his official programmes in Haveri district and returned to Bengaluru by a special flight from Hubballi Airport on Thursday afternoon.

Condoling the demise of Mr Dharam Singh, Mr Siddaramaiah told media persons at Hubballi Airport that State-wide holiday has been declared for Thursday, while the holiday would be extended for one more day in Kalaburagi and Bidar districts. Three-day State mourning has been declared, he noted.

“His death is a great loss to the State and Congress Party. He was a good administrator, and he strengthened the party in his political career of five decades,” Mr Siddaramaiah said. He also recalled his association with Mr Dharam Singh when he was the chief minister and Mr Siddaramaiah was the deputy chief minister.

Legislative Assembly Speaker K B Koliwad noted that he lost a close friend, while the death of Mr Dharam Singh is a great loss to the country.