Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son Rakesh passes away in Belgium

Rakesh (39) had been suffering from a pancreatic ailment and reportedly died of multiple organ failure. Rakesh is survived by his wife, two children, parents and a younger brother. It is said CM Siddaramaiah, being his stoic self, has been trying to control his emotions and is said to be “dealing with it”. I will not enter politics as long as my father is in politics. Rakesh, who tried his hand at acting in Kannada movies, was projected as the political heir of Mr Siddaramaiah, and fondly referred to as “Chikka Sahebru” as he worked for his father’s victories in Assembly elections beginning 2004.

Rakesh’s last rites will be conducted at CM’s home town in Mysuru. India’s Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg, Manjeev Singh Puri, had helped in facilitating treatment. “May God give the family strength to bear the irreparable loss”, he said in a tweet. “CM’s family is in touch with the doctors”.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi also expressed his condolences.

BS Yeddyurappa, former CM of Karnataka and BJP state president offered condolences too. “No words to explain my feelings at this time”. The Indian Embassy officials are helping the bereaved family with the formalities.

The Siddaramaiah family was considering moving Rakesh to Mount Elizabeth Hospital at Singapore for advanced treatment.