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Bengaluru: Former excise minister and senior Congress leader H.Y. Meti, who was serving as the sitting MLA from Bagalkot, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters. A seasoned politician, Meti had a long and distinguished career in Karnataka politics, having been elected to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly five times and serving once as a Lok Sabha member. Veteran leader with decades in public life H.Y. Meti was a well-known figure in North Karnataka’s political landscape, recognised for his active involvement in developmental issues and his close association with the Congress party. Over the years, he built a strong grassroots connection with the people of Bagalkot and neighbouring districts. As a five-time MLA, Meti played a crucial role in implementing various welfare schemes in his constituency and remained a steadfast supporter of the Congress leadership throughout his political journey. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expresses grief Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep sorrow over Meti’s demise, recalling his long-standing contributions to public service. In his condolence message, Siddaramaiah said, “The news of the passing of former Minister, senior leader from the North Karnataka region, and current MLA H.Y. Meti has left me deeply saddened. Just last Thursday, I had visited the hospital and inquired about his health. At that time, I held the firm hope that he would recover and once again embrace us all. Alas, both my hope and my prayers have proven false.” He added, “Meti, who spent much of his long life in public service, was a dedicated leader who cared only for the welfare of the people and the development of his constituency. His demise has left our society poorer. May the departed soul find eternal peace. I pray that the family and admirers of Meti find the strength to bear this sorrow.” A life of service marked by controversy While Meti’s political career was largely defined by public service and development work, he also faced controversy during his tenure as a minister. In 2016, a sex tape allegedly involving him surfaced online, which led to his resignation from the cabinet during Siddaramaiah’s first term as Chief Minister. Despite the controversy, Meti continued to remain active in state politics and retained his influence in the Bagalkot region. Political legacy and contribution Throughout his decades-long career, Meti was regarded as a loyal party worker and an influential voice in the Congress’s North Karnataka leadership. His administrative experience, combined with his focus on rural and agricultural issues, earned him respect across party lines. His passing marks the end of an era for the Congress party in North Karnataka, which has lost one of its most experienced and grounded leaders.
