H Y Meti, the senior Congress MLA from Bagalkote and former Minister in the Karnataka government, died on Tuesday at a private hospital in Bengaluru. He was 79 years old and had been undergoing treatment for breathing and other age-related ailments. The news of his passing drew condolences from across the political spectrum, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who called it a personal loss.

Meti had a long and impactful political career spanning several decades. He was first elected to the Karnataka Assembly in 1989 from the Guledgudda constituency as a Janata Dal member and served multiple terms. He held key portfolios, including Forest Minister during the 1990s and later the Excise Ministry in the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government after winning the Bagalkote seat in 2013. Though he lost in 2018, he remained a respected figure in Karnataka politics and was appointed chairman of the Bagalkote Urban Development Authority in 2024.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited Meti during his final days and expressed deep sorrow over his demise. “H Y Meti was a politician dedicated to the welfare and development of his constituency. The society has become poorer with his passing,” he said on social media. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, former PM H D Deve Gowda, BJP leaders including B Y Vijayendra, and other political dignitaries also mourned his death, highlighting Meti’s legacy as a grassroots leader.

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Born into an agrarian family in Timmapur village, Meti was known for his simplicity, strong connect with rural voters, and commitment to public service. Despite controversies in the past, he remained a loyal and influential leader in North Karnataka. His remains were brought to Bagalkote and are expected to be laid to rest with state honors.

His death marks the end of an era for Karnataka’s political landscape. Meti is survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters, who now mourn the loss of their patriarch.

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