Former Karnataka chief minister N Dharam Singh dies at 80

BENGALURU: N. Dharam Singh, known popularly as the Ajatashatru of Karnataka politics, and a veteran Congress leader with close links with the late prime minister Mrs Indira Gandhi, breathed his last here on Thursday, plunging Hyderabad-Karnataka region, where he held sway for over four decades, into deep grief.

The former chief minister was 81, and leaves behind wife, Prabhavathi, sons Dr Ajay Singh and Vijay Singh and daughter Priyadarshini.

Mr Singh, who was indisposed, had returned to his Sadashivanagar residence after undergoing treatment at a local hospital, a few days ago. On



Thursday morning, he complained of chest pain and collapsed. He was rushed to M S Ramaiah Hospital where doctors could not revive him. He died of cardiac arrest, sources in the family said. 

Born on December 25, 1935 at Nelogi in Jewargi taluk of the erstwhile Gulbarga district, Singh completed his education in Hyderabad before commencing his career as lawyer. Known for his affable character and his ability to win friends and admirers across the political spectrum, Singh soon earned the title 'Ajatashatru' and entered politics representing his home constituency, Jewargi, eight times.