Mangaluru: Senior Congress leader and former Zilla Parishad president Sankappa Rai passed away on Wednesday, February 7. He was 85.

Sankappa Rai hailed from Kombettu, Bellipadi. Since 1970, Rai had been active in politics and became President of Taluk Development Board at a young age of 25.

Later, Rai was also selected as member of District Transport Authority for two terms. He gave prominence for private bus transportation for rural areas. In 1985, Sankappa Rai contested from the Mani Constituency for Zilla Parishad and served as member for four years.

Sankappa Rai also tried for the ticket for the assembly elections but as he did not get ticket, he contested as an independent candidate, which resulted in defeat of Congress candidate.

In 1983, he was fielded as Congress candidate from Puttur assembly constituency. As KC Chako revolted, Railost the elections.

Due to medical reasons he remained away from politics for 12 years.

He also served as KSRTC Mahamandala Union President, District Congress President, KPCC member and various other posts.

Sankappa Rai was honorary president of the Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple Renovation Committee, and was also founder president of Shri Rama Krishna Girls’ Highschool etc.

Final rites was observed in Ananathadi Nelthottu .

State minister B Ramanatha Rai, UT Khader, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, Veerappa Moily, Rajyasabha member Oscar Fernandes have condoled the death of the leader.