Last rites of former minister, H C Srikantaiah (85) who died in a private hospital in Bangalore after a brief illness, will be performed with full State honours at his native Hiresave village in Channarayapatna taluk, on Sunday.

Housing and District In-Charge Minister V Somanna said in the death of Srikantaiah, the State has lost an able leader.

Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji has also condoled the death of former minister, In a press release here, the seer said Srikantaiah had done lot of development at Shravanabelagola as MLA.

He had extended full cooperation for the 1000th mahamastakabhisheka of Bhagwan Bahubali. Srikantaiah had ably managed whichever  portfolios were allocated to him.

The staff and employees of Sri Hemavathy Sugar Factory also paid their rich tributes. The factory chairman, K Satish, former chairman, H S Srikantaiah and other directors participated in the condolence meeting. They offered floral tributes to the portrait of Srikantaiah.

Harigopal, a Congress leader said Srikantaiah had given light to over 3,000 houses in the district. He started the sugar factory in 70s and gave employment to over 3,000 people.

Former president of Town Municipal Council, Chennaveerappa has said the district lost a great leader. State BJP Executive Committee member Navile Annappa, office-bearers of District Unit president of DSS and the staff of AVK Women’s College have also condoled the death of Srikantaiah.