Bengaluru, Nov. 5 -- Senior Congress leader and five-term legislator Hullappa Yamanappa Meti passed away on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bengaluru. He was 79.

Family members said the MLA from Bagalkot had been suffering from kidney-related ailments and other age-related complications. Chief minister Siddaramaiah, who had visited the veteran leader three days ago, said Meti had appeared to be recovering. "The demise of a loyal leader has saddened me. This is a personal loss," Siddaramaiah said in his condolence message. He described Meti as a grounded leader who maintained close ties with his constituents.

Born in Thimmapur village in Bagalkot district, Meti was widely regarded as one of the influential Kur...