Karnataka: Backward classes icon, ex-minister RL Jalappa dies at 97

BELAGAVI: Veteran politician and former Union minister RL Jalappa passed away on Friday at his family-owned Sri Devraj Urs Medical College hospital in Kolar, where he was being treated for multiple organ issues. He was 97.
His son and former MLA J Narasimhaswamy said Jalappa was hospitalised on December 10 as he was suffering kidney and lung ailments. He had suffered a paralytic stroke in February.
Known as a loyalist of late CM D Devaraj Urs, Jalappa began his career in the 1970s and followed Urs when he quit Congress to form Indian National Congress (U). After the death of Urs in 1982, he joined hands with S Bangarappa and was instrumental in launching regional party Kranti Ranga. He played a vital role in establishing the first non-Congress political entity in 1983 when Janata Party, in alliance with Kranti Ranga and BJP, formed the coalition government and Ramakrishna Hegde became chief minister.
Hailing from Idiga community, Jalappa was identified as a crusader of backward communities. He got the government’s permission to established Devaraj Urs Medical College for the benefit of such communities.
Jalappa was in the eye of the storm when he was named in the infamous 1988 murder case of lawyer Abdul Rashid . He was acquitted in the matter while two police officers were convicted.