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 since couple of days.

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

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