Mangaluru: Former Minister B. Subbaiah Shetty (91), a native of Bakrabailu in Bantwal taluk, passed away at his residence in Bengaluru yesterday. He is survived by his daughters Dr. Uma Savanur and Dr. Reshma Savanur and grandchildren. His wife Shalini Shetty had predeceased him recently.

Subbaiah Shetty served as the MLA of Suratkal for two terms in 1972 and 1978. He was also a Minister in late Chief Minister Devaraj Urs Cabinet, holding portfolios of land reforms and education.

He joined the Intelligence Bureau and was posted in Kashmir and Ladakh and also was a member of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police force.

He came back to Mangaluru after the birth of his first daughter and established a law practice. He then took interest in social issues and joined the Congress party.

He was conferred many honours including the D. Devraj Urs Award, Shantaveri Gopala Gowda Award and most recently the Dr. Da.Ra. Bendre Award.

Shetty was one among the first landlords to have given up their own lands for implementing the revolutionary idea of giving ownership of agricultural lands to farmers who till then,                                 remained as tenants.