Vimalabai Deshmukh, who was formerly Karnataka’s Minister of Women and Child Development in the JH Patel led Janata Dal government. passed away early Sunday morning. She was 70.
She is believed to have passed away after a prolonged illness.
Vimalabai contested the 1994 elections on a Janata Dal ticket after her husband, JS Deshmukh, who was a three-time legislator, passed away. She fought the elections from Muddebihala constituency in Vijayapura district and defeated incumbent CS Nadagoudara. She served as the Minister for Women and Child Development under the Jayadevappa Halappa Patel government.
In 2013, after she was denied a ticket by the JD(S), she joined Yeddyurappa Karnataka Janata Paksha (KJP) and contested from Muddebihal constituency. However, she lost the election and later returned to the JD(S).
Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has issued a statement condoling her death.
The Chief Minister remembered her as an icon for women empowerment in the state. He added that the former minister was known for her honesty and integrity in politics and in life. She had worked relentlessly for the upliftment of women and the poor, he said.
“May her soul rest in peace and the Almighty give strength to her family to endure this loss," the CM said.
Vimalabai Deshmukh is survived by three daughters. Reports state that