Bengaluru, May 10 -- Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Sunday expressed grief over the death of state minister D Sudhakar, adding that he was a close friend and long-time political associate for over 30 years.

He said Sudhakar died around 3:15-3:30 am due to multi-organ failure and offered condolences to the bereaved family.

D Sudhakar, 66, was declared dead at around 3.15 am on Sunday, according to officials at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences.

Speaking to the reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara said, "This morning around 3:15 - 3:30 am, our Minister for Planning and Statistics, Mr Sudhakar, expired due to illness. I pay my respect and condolences, and I also wish his family courage and support. May they get the strength...