Bengaluru: Bagalkot Congress MLA H.Y. Meti, also a former Minister, passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru this morning following age-related illness.

The 79-year-old sitting MLA from Bagalkot, had served as a Cabinet Minister in first Siddaramaiah-led Congress Govt. in 2013 as Minister for Excise, but had to quit under unceremonious circumstances in Dec., 2016.

H.Y. Meti (Hullappa Yamanappa Meti) was one of the senior leaders of Bagalkot district, serving for over four decades. He was elected from Bagalkot Assembly Segment twice (2013 and 2023). Previously, he was elected as MLA from the then Guledagudda Assembly Segment in Bagalkot district thrice (1989, 1994 & 2004), during which he served as Minister for Forest from 1994 to 1996 in the then Janata Dal Government. He was elected to Lok Sabha from Bagalkot seat in 1996 on a Janata Dal ticket. He later quit Janata Dal to join Congress in 2008.

His last rites will be performed with State honours at his native Timmapur in Bagalkot district tomorrow (Nov. 5), it is learnt.

CM Siddaramaiah had visited him in the hospital a few days ago to enquire about his health.