The State legislature on Saturday mourned the death of senior journalist H.S. Ranganath, popularly called ‘Meese Ranganna’ because of his black handlebar moustache. He was 69.
He died of a heart attack when he was returning home on Friday night. Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa moved an obituary reference in the Legislative Assembly and a one-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to Mr. Ranganath. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he had lost a good friend, who was known for his simplicity.
Mr. Ranganath, who was elected as member of the Bangalore Press Club Executive Committee last month, served as editor of Samyukta Bharatha and Federal India . The two newspapers were started by his freedom fighter father and former MLC late H. Srikantaiah. He began his career as a journalist in Menaka , a film weekly.
Leader of the Opposition Jagadish Shettar recalled Mr. Ranganath’s vast contribution to the filed of print media. Several members of the Assembly recalled the journalist’s contribution.
A one-minute silence was also observed in the Legislative Council.
The other leaders who mourned his death included Home Minister K.J. George, Revenue Minister V. Srinivas Prasad, the former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and the former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.
Mr. Ranganath is survived by a son and daughter.
