Former Chief Minister of Karnataka S Bangarappa passed away early this morning after a prolonged illness in Bangalore. He was 79 years old.

Suffering from kidney ailment, he was admitted to a private hospital since eighth of this month and was under coma for a couple of days.

A veteran politician, Bangarappa served as Chief Minister in 1991-92 and played crucial role in state politics.

His mortal remains will be kept in Bangalore till evening and taken to his village in Soraba taluk tomorrow for the last rites.