BJP veteran & Former Karnataka Education Minister B C Nagesh
Bengaluru: Senior BJP leader and former Karnataka primary and secondary education minister B.C. Nagesh died on August 18, at the age of 67 following a prolonged illness. Nagesh, who had been undergoing treatment for a brain tumour, passed away at his daughter’s residence in Bengaluru.
Nagesh had been battling health complications for nearly a year and had reportedly undergone two surgeries. Despite continued treatment, his condition deteriorated. His mortal remains are being shifted to Tiptur, where his final rites will be held on Wednesday. A son and a daughter survive him.
Born into a family with a strong association with public life, Nagesh was active in student politics during his younger days and was associated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). His association with the organisation provided him an early opportunity to work in student and public affairs before he entered active electoral politics.
Nagesh joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1984 and subsequently became associated with the party organisation in Karnataka. He was particularly close to senior BJP organisational leader B.L. Santhosh. Over the years, he emerged as an important BJP leader in Tumakuru district and established a strong political base in Tiptur.
He won the Karnataka Assembly elections from Tiptur in 2008 and 2018, serving two terms as an MLA. His political career was marked by strong organisational orientation and active involvement in party affairs.
In 2021, Nagesh was inducted into the Basavaraj Bommai Cabinet and was appointed Minister for Primary and Secondary Education. He also held responsibility for the Sakala department.
As education minister, Nagesh was involved in several significant decisions on school education. His tenure saw major discussions and controversies over textbook revision, school uniforms, discipline, and measures to strengthen value-based education.
The textbook revision exercise undertaken during his tenure became a major political issue in Karnataka. Nagesh strongly defended the government’s position and maintained that the education system should focus not only on academics but also on discipline, values and awareness among students.
His tenure also saw the government take several measures concerning the functioning of schools and colleges. He frequently emphasised discipline in educational institutions and argued for creating an environment conducive to learning.
Despite taking firm political positions, party colleagues and supporters regarded Nagesh as a simple, disciplined leader. He maintained close contact with people in Tiptur and was known for taking up local issues.
His death has triggered an outpouring of grief among BJP leaders and workers in Karnataka, particularly in Tumakuru district and Tiptur.
Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai condoled Nagesh’s death and recalled their association during his tenure as chief minister. Bommai described Nagesh as a close friend, a simple and courteous person and an efficient education minister.
In his condolence message, Bommai said Nagesh’s contribution to the development of the education sector and his service to the people of Tiptur and Tumakuru would always be remembered. He also recalled Nagesh’s efforts to strengthen the BJP organisation.
“His contribution to the development of the education sector and to serving the people of Tiptur and Tumakuru will always be remembered. He also worked tirelessly to strengthen the party organisation,” Bommai said.
Bommai also recalled Nagesh’s personal qualities, saying his simplicity, courtesy and affectionate nature had earned him the respect of people across political circles.
Nagesh’s political journey spanned several decades, beginning with his involvement in the ABVP during his student days and continuing with his entry into the BJP in 1984. His two electoral victories from Tiptur and his subsequent elevation to the state Cabinet marked major milestones in his political career.
