Former Karnataka Dy CM M P Prakash passes away

Former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister M P Prakash died at a private hospital in the early hours today.

He was 70. He is survived by his wife, a son and three daughters. The cremation will take place at his hometown Hoovinahadagali tomorrow.

School and colleges in Bellary district will remain closed tomorrow in his memory. The body will be kept in Freedom Park here to enable the public to pay their last respect.

Governor H R Bhardwaj, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and Minister V S Acharya condoled the death of Mr Prakash.

Born on July 11, 1940 at Vallabhapura, Mr Prakash was an advocate by profession. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly for four times. He first entered the Assembly from Hadagali in 1983 on the Janata Party ticket and was re-elected thrice.

He had served as a minister, holding various portfolios in the Ramakrishna Hegde and H D Devegowda governments.

He was also a Kannada theatre personality and had acted in and directed many plays. He had also penned many Kannada books.

NNN