Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) working President and former MP R Dhruvanarayana passed away after suffering from cardiac arrest in Mysuru on Saturday morning at the age of 61.

The former MP was rushed to a nearby hospital as he complained of sharp chest pain in the wee hours on Saturday. But doctors at the DRM Multi Speciality Hospital confirmed him dead, according to news agencies.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family of the departed soul and described his demise as a huge loss to the grand old party.

Taking to Twitter, Gandhi wrote, “Saddened by the sudden demise of former MP, Shri R Dhruvanarayana. A hard-working & humble grassroots leader, he was a champion of social justice who rose through the ranks of NSUI & Youth Congress. His passing is a huge loss to the Congress party. My condolences to his family.”

In her condolence message, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra remembered Dhruvanarayana’s contribution to public service and said his commitment to social justice will always be remembered.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also condoled his death. In a tweet, he said, “Deeply anguished and pained by the passing away of R Dhruvanarayana.”

Calling him the finest human being, Kharge added, “He was not just a grassroots political leader, but a finest human being. His demise is not just a loss for INC but a huge personal loss for me as well. My thoughts are with his family and followers.”

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai also condoled Dhruvanarayana’s death and wished strength for his fans and family to bear the loss. He announced that the deceased Congress leader’s funeral would be carried out with state honours.

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala and Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal among several leaders sent condolence messages to the late MP’s family.

An agriculturist by profession, Dhruvanar̥ayana started his political journey as a student leader and joined the Indian National Congress as a party worker in the year 1983.

He later contested Vidhan Sabha elections from Santhermarahalli Constituency in the year 1999, but lost. In 2004 general elections, he contested from the same constituency and won by a margin of single vote. Later, Dhruvanarayana represented Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar Lok Sabha constituency from 2009-2019.