Former Legislative Council Chairman N. Tippanna passes away at 97

Mangalore Today News Network

Ballari, July 11, 2025: Senior political leader and former Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, N. Tippanna, passed away in the early hours of Friday. He was 97.

Tippanna had also served as the state president of the Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha. He is survived by his son. His mortal remains have been kept at his Ballari residence for public homage. The final rites will be performed on Saturday, July 12, in Turuvanur, Chitradurga district.

Long and distinguished public career

Tippanna began his professional life as a lawyer before venturing into politics. He was elected to the Karnataka Legislative Council multiple times and served twice as the Chairman of the House. He also held the position of Deputy Leader of the Opposition.

A close associate of former Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde, Tippanna contested the Ballari Lok Sabha seat on a Janata Dal ticket but was unsuccessful. Later, he was part of Janata Dal (United) and served as its state president. Following the merger of JD(U) with JD(S), he took over as the state president of the Janata Dal (Secular).

In 2012, Tippanna was elected as the Karnataka State President of the Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha. He had actively served the organisation at various levels. He was also the president of the prestigious Veerashaiva Vidyavardhaka Sangha and held multiple other responsibilities for nearly two decades.