End of the Shamanur Era; Eshwar Khandre Takes Charge as National President of Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha
Bengaluru: Veteran legislator and long-serving President of the All India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, Shamanur Shivashankarappa, passed away on Sunday due to age-related illness. He was 95. His demise marks the end of a significant era for the Veerashaiva–Lingayat community and brings to a close a defining chapter in one of Karnataka’s most influential socio-political organisations.
Following his death, the Mahasabha has undergone a swift leadership transition. Senior Congress leader and Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has assumed charge as the new National President of the All India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, succeeding Shamanur Shivashankarappa, who was among the longest-serving and most powerful leaders of the organisation.
Khandre has previously served as the Mahasabha’s General Secretary and Senior Vice President, playing a key role in shaping its ideological framework. He has been a prominent voice in strengthening community unity and has actively led the long-standing movement seeking separate religious recognition for Veerashaivism.
His late father, former minister Bheemanna Khandre, had also served as President of the Mahasabha. Retired Director General of Police Shankar Bidari will continue as the State President. Under Shamanur Shivashankarappa’s decades-long leadership, the Mahasabha emerged as a decisive force in Karnataka politics, influencing electoral strategies, policy debates, and non-partisan social discourse.
The organisation has a strong grassroots presence across taluk-level units in Karnataka and has expanded its footprint to Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Over the years, the Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha has evolved into a formidable social organisation across southern India.
A legislator from Bhalki and a key member of the Siddaramaiah Cabinet, Khandre expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and pledged to strengthen the Mahasabha’s role in education, social welfare, and religious affairs. His appointment has been widely welcomed by community leaders, who believe he possesses the ability to manage internal differences and provide cohesive leadership.
