Senior Congress leader and sitting Bagalkot MLA H.Y. Meti passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 79. Meti, who had been ailing for the past several days, was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Jayanagar, Bengaluru. Despite intensive medical care, he succumbed to his illness early today.
Hulappa Yamanappa Meti, popularly known as H.Y. Meti, was a prominent figure in Karnataka politics. He represented the Bagalkot Assembly constituency and had a long political career spanning several decades.
In the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, Meti defeated BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath to retain his seat. Earlier, he had lost the 2018 elections, but made a strong comeback in 2023.
Meti also served as the Excise Minister in the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government between 2013 and 2016. However, his tenure ended abruptly when he resigned from the Cabinet following a controversial alleged video scandal.
Recently, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had visited Meti at the hospital to inquire about his health condition.
Known for his grassroots connect and straightforward political style, Meti’s passing has created a void in Bagalkot’s political landscape. Tributes have poured in from party leaders and colleagues remembering his contributions to the Congress party and to Karnataka’s development.