Veteran statesman N. Tippanna.
N. Tippanna (97), veteran statesman, legal luminary, and former Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, passed away on Friday (July 11, 2025) morning in Ballari following age-related ailments. He is survived by his son.
His mortal remains will be kept at his Ballari residence for public homage, and the final rites will be conducted on Saturday (July 12, 2025) in his native village of Turuvanur in Chitradurga district.
Born on November 23, 1928, in Turuvanur, Chitradurga district, Tippanna’s career spanned over six decades, during which he played significant roles in Karnataka’s legal, political, and socio-cultural spheres.
Tippanna began his journey in public service as an advocate in 1954 in Ballari and steadily rose through the legal ranks, serving as a District Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor in Ballari. He went on to become the General Secretary and later President of the Bellary Bar Association. His leadership extended to the Karnataka Bar Council, where he served as Vice President and later presided over its Silver Jubilee celebration, which was graced by Indira Gandhi.
A close associate of former Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde, Tippanna unsuccessfully contested Lok Sabha elections from Ballari and was actively involved with the Janata Dal (U). Following its merger with Janata Dal (S), he became the State president of JD(S). He was elected multiple times to the Karnataka Legislative Council and served twice as its Chairman.
Tippanna was also a passionate educationist and community leader. As General Secretary of the Veerashaiva Vidyavardhaka Sangha in Ballari, a position he held for over 30 years, he spearheaded the establishment of 40 educational institutions, including colleges and technical schools. His contributions to the academic field earned him a Honorary Doctorate from Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University during its 8th convocation.
A towering figure in the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community, Tippanna served as President of the Karnataka State Unit of All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha and held several key positions at both state and national levels. Even in his advanced years, he remained deeply engaged in public service and social reform.
Several dignitaries and public figures expressed their condolences, hailing Tippanna as a committed public servant and a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the upliftment of society and the legal profession.
Published – July 11, 2025 09:15 am IST
