Published Aug 19, 2026 | 11:33 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 19, 2026 | 11:34 AM
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar pays his last respects to BC Nagesh.
Synopsis: Former Karnataka Education Minister and two-time BJP MLA for Tiptur BC Nagesh died in Bengaluru on 18 August after a brief illness, aged 67. Leaders from the BJP and across the political spectrum paid tribute to his contribution to education and the development of the Tiptur constituency. An electrical engineer by training, Nagesh entered politics through the ABVP, and later joined the BJP.
Former Karnataka Education Minister and two-time BJP MLA for Tiptur BC Nagesh died in Bengaluru on Tuesday, 18 August, after a brief illness. He was 67.
His party colleagues and leaders from across the aisle paid their last respects to Nagesh at the BJP State headquarters on Wednesday.
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar described him as an honest individual who had performed well as Education Minister.
“Shri BC Nagesh had been known to me for many years. He was an honest individual who performed excellently as Education Minister. He made significant efforts to bring discipline to the education sector,” he said.
BJP leaders pay tribute.
He added that the State would ensure that Nagesh received every honour.
State BJP president BY Vijayendra said the former Minister had made an immense contribution to the education sector during his tenure.
“Nagesh had a warm and friendly nature and treated everyone with affection. His passing is an irreparable loss to the BJP,” Vijayendra said, adding that Nagesh’s entire family had been dedicated to serving society.
Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly R Ashoka said Nagesh was an extremely simple and humble person. As Education Minister, he said, Nagesh played a key role in transforming and improving many schools and strongly articulated the values of Indian identity and patriotism.
Former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai described Nagesh as a dynamic personality who had worked continuously for the development of the Tiptur constituency and brought revolutionary changes to the education sector.
Born on 1 July 1959 in Chikkamagaluru, Nagesh was the son of BS Chandrashekaraiah and BC Savithramma.
Trained as an electrical engineer with a Bachelor’s degree from BMS College, Bengaluru, Nagesh’s first foray into politics was with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of the BJP. He formally joined the party in 1984.
He was first elected to the State Assembly from the Tiptur constituency in Tumakuru district in 2008. He lost the 2013 Assembly election to Congress candidate K Shadakshari, but was re-elected in 2018.
Nagesh was inducted into the Basavaraj Bommai Cabinet in 2021 as the Minister of School Education and Literacy and Sakala.
