Former Karna Deputy CM M P Prakash dead

Bangalore, Feb 9 (PTI) Former Karnataka Deputy ChiefMinister M P Prakash died at a private hospital here todayafter a prolonged battle with cancer.

71-year-old Prakash was a writer, theatre personalityand social activist, besides being a prominent face ofKarnataka politics since the 1980s.

He is survived by wife, a son and three daughters.

Prakash, who was suffering from intestine cancer forthe past two-and-a-half years was admitted to Manipal Hospitalon February 6 with liver infection.

He developed breathlessness yesterday and also showedsymptoms of pneumonia. He was shifted to the ICU where he diedof multi-organ failure today, the Hospital Chief OperatingOfficer, Nagendra Swamy told PTI.

A prominent Lingayat community leader, Prakash hadalso authored many books. He was a five-time MLA and had actedin a movie, directed many plays and acted in many more.

In his chequered political career, he was groomed byveteran politician and former Chief Minister, late RamakrishnaHegde and was state Janata Dal President. He was also informer Prime Minister Deve Gowda led JDS before joiningCongress.

The funeral will take place in his home district ofBellary.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has mourned his deathand offered condolences to his family. He announced that allschools and colleges in Bellary district would remain closedtomorrow as a mark of respect to the departed leader.