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Dharam Singh

![N. Dharam Singh](./ assets/Dharam_Singh.jpg)
N. Dharam Singh (25 December 1936 – 27 July 2017) was an Indian politician and senior leader of the Indian National Congress who served as the 11th Chief Minister of Karnataka from 28 May 2004 to 28 February 2006.^[1]^[2] Born in Nelogi village, Kalaburagi district, to Narayan Singh and Padmavati, Singh represented the Jewargi constituency in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly for eight terms, beginning with his first election in 1972.^[3]^[4] Throughout his career, he held key ministerial portfolios including home, revenue, urban development, social welfare, and excise, earning a reputation as a low-profile, soft-spoken leader known as the "Ajatashatru" of Karnataka politics for lacking political enemies.^[3]^[5] As Chief Minister, he headed the state's first coalition government between Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular, navigating a 20-month tenure marked by efforts to stabilize the alliance amid internal challenges.^[6] Singh died of a heart attack in Bengaluru at age 80.^[7]^[8]

Early Life and Background

Family and Upbringing

Dharam Singh was born on December 25, 1936, in Nelogi village, Jevargi taluk, Kalaburagi district (then Gulbarga district), Karnataka, to parents Narayan Singh and Padmavati.^[9]^[3]^[7] Raised in a modest Rajput family in this rural Hyderabad-Karnataka region, Singh experienced the self-reliant agricultural lifestyle typical of village communities, where farming and local social networks fostered interdependence amid a landscape of small landholdings and seasonal labor.^[10] The area's historical ties to the Nizam's Hyderabad state contributed to a culturally mixed environment, blending Kannada-speaking agrarian traditions with Urdu influences from nearby urban centers like Kalaburagi.^[11] These early surroundings emphasized practical community consensus over individual prominence, traits evident in Singh's later personal demeanor.

Initial Influences and Education

Dharam Singh was born on December 25, 1936, in Nelogi village, Jevargi taluk, Kalaburagi district (then Gulbarga), into a Rajput family—a minority community in Karnataka—which provided a backdrop of regional agrarian self-reliance amid limited socioeconomic opportunities in north Karnataka during the pre-independence and early post-independence periods.^[12]^[1] His early environment, characterized by rural constraints and basic community structures, fostered practical orientations toward local resource management rather than exposure to urban intellectual currents prevalent among Karnataka's political elites.^[11] Singh completed his primary schooling in Nelogi village, reflecting the era's sparse educational access in rural Hyderabad-Karnataka, a linguistically and administratively distinct region under the Nizam's rule until 1948.^[11]^[9] He then attended the Government High School in Asif Ganj, Kalaburagi, for secondary education, before pursuing higher studies at Osmania University in Hyderabad, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree; additional accounts indicate he obtained master's and law degrees from the same institution.^[11]^[12]^[1] This trajectory, uncommon for contemporaries from similar rural backgrounds, underscored persistence in navigating regional barriers, including travel to Hyderabad for advanced learning amid post-1948 integration challenges into the Indian state framework.^[9] Unlike many urban-educated leaders in Karnataka politics, Singh's formative influences derived from observable rural dynamics—such as community-led dispute resolution and agricultural dependencies—prioritizing empirical problem-solving over abstract ideological frameworks, a pattern evident in his later emphasis on ground-level governance.^[11] Verifiable records yield scant details on direct non-familial mentors or movements shaping his youth, though the pervasive independence-era atmosphere in Karnataka likely imparted indirect awareness of self-determination principles through local discourse, without documented personal involvement at that stage.^[12]

Entry into Politics

Pre-Electoral Activities

Dharam Singh initiated his political engagement through participation in the Goa Liberation Movement in 1958, a campaign aimed at integrating the Portuguese-held territory of Goa into India, reflecting early nationalist sentiments amid post-independence territorial unification efforts.^[13]^[3]^[9] At age 22, Singh's involvement as an activist within the broader Indian National Congress-aligned ecosystem underscored a focus on national causes over local parochialism.^[13] In Gulbarga (present-day Kalaburagi), Singh transitioned to grassroots-level civic involvement prior to any elected role, primarily as a labor union leader addressing worker concerns in the region's industrial and agrarian sectors.^[14] This pragmatic approach, centered on community service such as advocating for local employment and infrastructure needs, facilitated initial networks among diverse groups in north Karnataka's Veerashaiva-Lingayat predominant areas, where his Rajput background represented a minority yet enabled cross-community rapport through tangible issue-based engagement rather than caste affiliations.^[14]^[11]

Local Governance Roles

Dharam Singh entered local governance by securing election as an independent corporator to the Gulbarga City Municipal Council in 1968, defeating his own brother in the contest.^[11]^[3] He subsequently aligned with the Indian National Congress in the late 1960s, marking his shift toward organized party politics.^[10] During this period, Singh also served as chairman of the municipal corporation from 1968 to 1988, overseeing local administrative functions in Gulbarga, a district characterized by economic backwardness and limited infrastructure in northern Karnataka.^[15] This municipal tenure focused on routine civic responsibilities, including urban planning and basic service delivery in a region reliant on agriculture and facing developmental constraints, which furnished Singh with foundational experience in grassroots administration prior to pursuing legislative roles.^[4] No records indicate re-elections specifically to the council beyond the initial 1968 win, though his prolonged chairmanship suggests sustained involvement in local leadership amid the council's operations until the late 1980s.^[15] The role's emphasis on localized decision-making in a socio-economically challenged area contributed to building networks and administrative acumen that facilitated his transition to state assembly contests.^[11]

Legislative Career

Assembly Elections and Victories

Dharam Singh first won election to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from the Jewargi constituency in the 1972 state polls, defeating Mahadevappa Banpurs, a three-time Member of Parliament.^[16] He retained the seat in every subsequent assembly election through 2004, achieving eight consecutive victories and establishing a formidable record of electoral dominance in the Hyderabad-Karnataka region.^[17]^[18] These successes underscored Singh's appeal among voters in the predominantly rural and economically underdeveloped Jewargi area of north Karnataka, where the Indian National Congress maintained a strong organizational base during much of this era.^[11] Despite belonging to the minority Rajput community, which lacked numerical dominance locally, Singh cultivated broad support through his longstanding loyalty to Congress and emergence as a regional leader, enabling him to overcome potential caste-based challenges and secure repeated mandates without recorded defeats until later years.^[13] This pattern of wins highlighted causal factors such as incumbency advantages and the party's regional hegemony in Gulbarga district, rather than reliance on narrow communal mobilization. Singh's streak ended in the 2008 Karnataka Legislative Assembly election, when he lost the Jewargi seat to Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Doddappagouda Patil Naribol.^[18] The defeat marked the first interruption in his assembly representation from the constituency, amid shifting political dynamics in the state favoring the BJP's expansion in Karnataka.^[17]

Key Legislative Contributions

During his tenure as a nine-term Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Jevargi constituency in the Hyderabad-Karnataka (now Kalyana Karnataka) region, spanning 1972 to 2008, N. Dharam Singh consistently advocated for infrastructure improvements to address the area's chronic underdevelopment, including demands for enhanced road networks, irrigation facilities, and power supply in rural segments of Kalaburagi district.^[14] This focus stemmed from the region's classification as one of India's most backward areas, with per capita income significantly below the state average and limited industrial presence, necessitating targeted legislative interventions for equitable resource allocation.^[19] Singh served as a member of the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission, where he contributed to assessments of socio-economic disparities affecting communities in northern Karnataka, influencing recommendations for affirmative action and welfare schemes tailored to agrarian and pastoral economies prevalent in his constituency.^[13] His involvement in such bodies underscored a pragmatic approach to constituency-specific needs, prioritizing empirical indicators like literacy rates (below 50% in parts of Jevargi during his early terms) and migration patterns driven by employment deficits over broader ideological agendas. As a disciplined Congress legislator, Singh maintained strong adherence to party whips, participating actively in assembly sessions to support bills on rural electrification and water resource management, which aligned with regional priorities amid recurring droughts affecting Kalaburagi's 1.2 million hectares of cultivable land.^[4] This reliability, coupled with his low-profile yet consistent attendance, bolstered internal party cohesion during turbulent periods, such as post-1999 assembly disruptions. Singh's legislative style fostered cross-party alliances through personal rapport rather than confrontation, earning him the moniker "Ajatashatru" (a leader without enemies) for mediating disputes in committee deliberations and floor debates on regional quotas under Article 371(J) precursors.^[14]^[20] This relational capital, built over decades of bipartisan negotiations on development funds—such as pressing for dedicated allocations exceeding Rs. 60 crore for Hyderabad-Karnataka projects—laid groundwork for future coalitions by demonstrating viability of cooperative governance in a fragmented assembly.^[21]

Ministerial Positions

Early Ministerial Tenures

Dharam Singh was inducted into the Karnataka state cabinet during Devaraj Urs's first term as Chief Minister, spanning 1972 to 1977, marking his entry into executive roles following his 1972 election to the Legislative Assembly from Jewargi.^[20] He retained ministerial positions under Urs's second administration (1978–1980) and subsequently under R. Gundu Rao (1980–1983), navigating the volatile factionalism within the state Congress that often led to ministerial reshuffles and party splits.^[4] In these early tenures, Singh handled portfolios including social welfare and excise, which aligned with the Congress governments' emphasis on rural outreach and revenue administration amid economic challenges in the state.^[4] His steadfast allegiance to the national Congress leadership, rather than aligning with dominant regional factions like those led by Urs or Gundu Rao's rivals, enabled his continuity in office despite internal power struggles that toppled multiple governments.^[11] This loyalty was evidenced by his avoidance of rebellions, contrasting with peers who defected or lost positions in the party's Lingayat-dominated or backward caste-based rivalries.^[4]

Major Portfolios and Policies

Dharam Singh served as Minister for Public Works in Chief Minister S. M. Krishna's cabinet from October 1999 to May 2004, overseeing infrastructure projects such as road construction, bridges, and government buildings statewide.^[22] This role positioned him at the forefront of physical development initiatives amid Karnataka's economic expansion in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In earlier tenures under Chief Minister M. Veerappa Moily and previous Congress-led governments during the 1990s, Singh handled the Home portfolio, managing law and order, police administration, and internal security operations.^[3] ^[7] He also managed the Revenue department, which encompassed land records, taxation collection, and disaster relief distribution, with a focus on rural and agrarian fiscal policies.^[8] These portfolios involved balancing state security amid rising communal tensions and fiscal recovery efforts post-1990s economic slowdowns, though specific quantitative impacts like departmental budget executions remain tied to annual state financial statements from the period. Opposition critiques, voiced in legislative debates, alleged uneven resource distribution favoring northern districts, including Singh's home region of Kalyana Karnataka, while Congress supporters highlighted administrative stability under his oversight.^[4]

Chief Ministership

Coalition Government Formation

The 2004 Karnataka Legislative Assembly elections resulted in a hung assembly, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing 79 seats, the Indian National Congress (INC) 65 seats, and the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) 58 seats out of 224 total constituencies.^[23]^[24] No party reached the majority mark of 113 seats, prompting intense post-poll negotiations where the JD(S), positioned as kingmaker due to its Vokkaliga base in southern Karnataka, opted to ally with the Congress rather than the BJP despite the latter's plurality.^[24]^[25] Negotiations culminated in a power-sharing agreement modeled on Maharashtra's coalition precedents, stipulating that the Congress, as the larger partner, would hold the Chief Ministership for the first 20 months, followed by a handover to the JD(S) for the remaining term.^[26] H.D. Deve Gowda, JD(S) patriarch and former Prime Minister, endorsed the deal and backed Dharam Singh's elevation, viewing it as a strategic counter to BJP dominance while securing deputy portfolios and influence for his party.^[27] Singh was sworn in as Chief Minister on May 28, 2004, alongside JD(S) leader Siddaramaiah as Deputy Chief Minister, marking Karnataka's inaugural coalition government and Congress's return to power after a decade.^[26]^[28] The pact's fragility emerged from mismatched ambitions and regional power dynamics, with JD(S) leveraging its leverage for concessions but harboring reservations over Congress's perceived overreach in cabinet allocations.^[29] Pro-Congress accounts framed the alliance as a stabilizing bulwark against BJP's aggressive tactics, including failed attempts to engineer defections, while critics, including later JD(S) reflections, highlighted Singh's accommodative style as enabling JD(S) to extract undue dominance despite Congress's seat edge, sowing seeds of opportunistic realignments.^[30] Deve Gowda's initial acquiescence, driven by anti-BJP calculations, underscored the alliance's transactional nature, prone to unraveling amid familial and factional pressures within JD(S).^[31]

Administrative Achievements

The Dharam Singh-led coalition government, in office from May 2004 to October 2006, maintained continuity in Karnataka's economic momentum amid national growth trends, with the state's software exports rising to 20.87% of gross state domestic product (GSDP) in 2004–05, reflecting sustained IT sector contributions initiated under prior administrations. Fiscal policies emphasized medium-term targets for revenue balance and reducing the fiscal deficit to 3% of GSDP by 2005–06, as outlined in the 2004–05 budget, though debt-to-GSDP remained at approximately 31% into 2005–06 without marked improvement. Infrastructure initiatives focused on urban resilience, particularly after October 2005 floods in Bangalore highlighted drainage and road failures; the administration committed to repairs, enhanced stormwater management, and broader civic upgrades to mitigate future disruptions.^[32] In rural drought-prone regions, ongoing irrigation programs under the Upper Krishna Project advanced modestly, though progress was constrained by interstate water allocations in the Krishna basin, where Karnataka's claims for backward areas competed with Andhra Pradesh.^[33]^[34] Administrative efficiency was credited in some analyses for relative stability in a fractious coalition, avoiding major governance paralysis despite internal tensions, but critics noted insufficient action on escalating fiscal pressures and limited new capital investments, with revenue growth outpacing but not fully offsetting committed expenditures.^[35] Empirical indicators showed no accelerated poverty reduction beyond national averages, and irrigation coverage expansions fell short of targets in arid northern districts due to hydrological disputes rather than execution lapses.^[33]

Policy Initiatives and Challenges

Dharam Singh's administration prioritized welfare measures targeting backward classes and rural areas, including expansions in educational access through the Learning Guarantee Programme, which was scaled to 1,000 schools across Karnataka in 2004 to address poor learning outcomes in government institutions, particularly in underdeveloped regions.^[36] This initiative, in collaboration with the Azim Premji Foundation, aimed to guarantee basic reading and arithmetic skills for primary students but faced scrutiny for uneven rollout amid resource constraints.^[36] Broader efforts in health and social welfare were highlighted by contemporaries as people-centric, though quantifiable outcomes like enrollment surges or budget efficacy remained modest given the government's brief 20-month span.^[37] Minority welfare schemes received attention within the Congress-JD(S) coalition framework, aligning with party emphases on inclusive development, but critics from the BJP argued these disproportionately favored specific communities over merit-based economic reforms, potentially exacerbating fiscal strains without addressing root causes like infrastructure deficits.^[35] Allocations for such programs were integrated into annual budgets, yet opposition assessments contended that the focus on distributive policies overlooked first-principles needs for industrialization and skill-building, contributing to perceptions of ideological bias toward appeasement rather than productivity gains.^[38] Policy execution was hampered by inherent coalition tensions, with delays in cabinet expansions—such as the seven-month lag post-formation—and protracted budget negotiations between Congress and JD(S) allies stalling initiatives like pro-farmer subsidies.^[39]^[40] These frictions, rooted in power-sharing disputes, led to implementation bottlenecks, as evidenced by slowed rural welfare disbursals and unfulfilled promises amid JD(S)'s eventual withdrawal of support in January 2006. BJP observers noted that such instability undermined governance efficacy, prioritizing political horse-trading over substantive reforms.^[6]

Government Collapse

The Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress coalition government, formed in May 2004 following a hung assembly in the Karnataka Legislative elections, lasted approximately 20 months before collapsing in January 2006 due to the JD(S)'s abrupt withdrawal of support.^[41] On January 18, 2006, a faction of JD(S) legislators, led by H.D. Kumaraswamy, decided to pull out, citing unfulfilled power-sharing agreements and internal party pressures, despite earlier commitments to rotate the chief ministership after 20 months.^[42] This move defied JD(S) president H.D. Deve Gowda's preference for sustaining the alliance with Congress to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), highlighting factional ambitions within JD(S) as a key causal factor in the breakdown.^[43] Dharam Singh initially refused to resign, attempting to demonstrate majority support in the assembly on January 25, 2006, amid chaotic scenes including disruptions that prevented the confidence motion from being tabled.^[44] With JD(S) issuing a whip for its MLAs to oppose the government, Singh lacked the numbers and tendered his resignation on January 28, 2006, paving the way for Kumaraswamy to form a new JD(S)-BJP coalition sworn in on February 3.^[45] Allegations of horse-trading surfaced from Congress, JD(S), and BJP camps, reflecting the opportunistic bargaining typical in hung assemblies where no single party held a clear majority—Congress had 65 seats, JD(S) 58, and BJP 79 out of 224.^[46] Congress leaders, including Singh, framed the JD(S) action as a betrayal that undermined the anti-BJP front, while JD(S) countered that Congress had reneged on rotational leadership promises, exacerbating governance delays.^[47] However, the collapse exemplifies the fragility of post-poll alliances in fragmented legislatures, where short-term pacts often falter under competing regional and caste-based loyalties, absent institutional mechanisms for stable minority governments.^[48] No formal no-confidence motion succeeded, but the withdrawal triggered governor's intervention under Article 164, underscoring how internal rebellions, rather than external pressures alone, precipitated the end of Singh's tenure.^[43]

Controversies and Criticisms

Illegal Mining Allegations

In December 2008, the Karnataka Lokayukta, under Justice N. Santosh Hegde, submitted a report on illegal mining activities spanning 2000 to 2008, indicting then-Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh for decisions during his 2004–2006 tenure that caused an estimated ₹23 crore loss to the state exchequer through irregular grants and approvals of mining leases in Bellary district.^[49] The report highlighted violations of mining rules, including unauthorized relaxations in lease procedures and issuance of temporary transport permits that facilitated illegal iron ore extraction, bypassing environmental clearances and forest protections.^[50]^[51] Subsequent investigations quantified broader economic damages from the Bellary mining irregularities, with the Lokayukta estimating state revenue losses exceeding ₹16,000 crore overall from illegal operations, though Singh's specific accountability centered on lax oversight enabling crony-linked firms to operate without proper auctions or bonds.^[52] Opposition parties, including the BJP, criticized Singh's Congress-led coalition for systemic favoritism toward influential miners, contrasting it with inherited issues from prior regimes while emphasizing verifiable procedural lapses under his watch.^[53] Environmental impacts included deforestation of over 11,000 hectares in Bellary, attributed partly to de-reservations approved during Singh's term, leading to quantified ecological degradation such as soil erosion and water contamination from unchecked ore transport.^[54] In 2011, the Lokayukta police filed an FIR against Singh for abetting illegal mining through these approvals, prompting his denial of personal involvement and claims that actions followed legal advice.^[55]^[51] The Supreme Court, in March 2017, directed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe Singh's role alongside former CM H.D. Kumaraswamy, focusing on conspiracy in permitting iron ore mining without due process, though no final conviction materialized before Singh's death in 2019.^[56]^[57] These findings underscore patterns of regulatory capture in Congress administrations, where empirical evidence from official probes revealed prioritized political alliances over fiscal and ecological safeguards, despite defenses attributing issues to departmental failures rather than direct malfeasance.^[58]

Land Denotification and Corruption Probes

In 2005, during his tenure as Chief Minister of Karnataka, Dharam Singh approved the denotification of approximately 10 acres and 17 guntas of land in Uttarahalli, Bangalore South, originally acquired for public purposes by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA).^[59] The order, issued on October 25, 2005, proceeded despite objections from the Urban Development Department, raising allegations of procedural irregularities and favoritism toward private landowners, including JD(S) MLC K.V. Narayana Gowda.^[60] Critics contended that the decision bypassed required consultations and notifications, potentially causing revenue losses to the state estimated in crores through undervalued compensation or lost development opportunities.^[61] A complaint filed in April 2012 by activist Rayasandra Ravi prompted the Karnataka Lokayukta to order a preliminary inquiry into the matter, accusing Singh of misusing executive powers under the Karnataka Acquisition of Lands for Grant of House Sites Act to benefit politically connected individuals.^[62] The probe extended to related figures, including JD(S) leader H.D. Revanna, for alleged collusion in facilitating the denotification.^[61] This case exemplified a pattern of discretionary land denotifications by successive Karnataka governments, where chief ministers held unchecked authority, often leading to investigations post-tenure amid claims of corruption and undue influence, though convictions remained rare due to evidentiary challenges and political interference.^[63] The Lokayukta's directive in April 2012 initiated police investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act, focusing on whether the denotification caused wrongful loss to the exchequer by converting acquired land back to private use without adequate justification or market valuation.^[59] While no final conviction against Singh materialized from this specific probe, it contributed to broader scrutiny of land governance in Karnataka, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities in executive decision-making that enabled potential abuse for personal or partisan gain, a recurring issue across administrations irrespective of party affiliation.^[64] Subsequent reforms, including High Court interventions, curtailed such powers, but historical cases like this underscored the need for judicial oversight in land acquisitions.^[63]

Political and Governance Critiques

Dharam Singh's reputation as an "Ajatashatru"—a leader without enemies—stemmed from his soft-spoken and accommodating style, which earned him allies across party lines but drew criticism for concealing indecisiveness in governance. ^[3] Early in his 2004-2006 chief ministership, observers noted his emergence from a phase of "vulnerability, insecurity and indecisiveness," particularly in navigating the fragile Congress-JD(S) coalition, where he faced accusations of yielding to partners at the expense of firm leadership.^[38] Critics from opposition quarters argued this trait reflected deeper subservience to the Congress high command in New Delhi, prioritizing national directives over assertive state-level decision-making, which undermined local autonomy.^[4] On fiscal governance, Singh's administration contributed to Karnataka's mounting debt through substantial borrowings; combined with the brief subsequent JD(S)-BJP interlude under H.D. Kumaraswamy, loans availed totaled approximately Rs 19,182 crore between mid-2004 and 2007, exacerbating the state's financial strain amid populist spending.^[65] Right-leaning commentators later highlighted such policies as fiscally imprudent, fostering dependency on central funds rather than sustainable revenue growth, with debt accumulation under his tenure cited at around Rs 15,635 crore in public discourse on state finances.^[66] These leadership and policy shortcomings were linked by analysts to Congress's electoral setbacks, including the 2006 coalition collapse and the party's diminished performance in the 2008 assembly polls, where it won only 80 seats against BJP's 110, amid voter perceptions of governmental frailty under Singh's watch.^[67] His personal defeat in Jevargi constituency underscored the narrative of ineffective stewardship, as the electorate shifted toward stronger alternatives amid dissatisfaction with coalition-era instability.^[68]

Later Career and Death

Post-Chief Minister Activities

Following the collapse of his coalition government in January 2006, Dharam Singh remained a loyal member of the Indian National Congress, focusing on parliamentary and regional political engagement. He contested and won the Lok Sabha seat from Bidar constituency in the 2009 general elections as the Congress candidate, defeating competitors from the Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (Secular) with 43.4% of the vote share in a general category seat.^[69]^[70] This victory marked his entry into the 15th Lok Sabha (2009–2014), where he represented north Karnataka interests, including infrastructure and irrigation projects for Bidar district.^[71] Singh's parliamentary tenure emphasized continuity in advocating for underdeveloped regions of north Karnataka, leveraging his prior experience as a state leader to push for balanced resource allocation amid the state's north-south developmental disparities. He mediated internal Congress disputes in Karnataka, drawing on his reputation as a consensus-builder with few adversaries, often bridging factional divides within the party's state unit.^[14] However, his influence diminished as younger factions, including those aligned with Siddaramaiah, gained prominence in Congress leadership selections following the party's 2013 assembly victory. In early 2013, ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Singh signaled his intent to seek re-election from Bidar, underscoring his commitment to the constituency despite emerging health constraints and party shifts. This reflected his steadfast loyalty to Congress but also highlighted limited leverage in securing higher state roles, as the party prioritized other leaders for key positions post-2013.^[72]

Health Decline and Demise

Dharam Singh experienced a series of health setbacks starting in 2015, including hospitalization in March for fluctuating blood pressure levels.^[73] In February 2016, he was admitted to a hospital in Bengaluru after complaining of fever and difficulty breathing.^[74] These issues persisted, with reports of additional ailments such as fever, cold, and throat pain in subsequent periods, contributing to his overall decline.^[75] On July 27, 2017, Singh, aged 80, was rushed to M.S. Ramaiah Hospital in Bengaluru around 10:30 a.m. in an unresponsive state following a massive cardiac arrest.^[76] He was pronounced dead at 11:54 a.m. in the intensive care unit due to the heart attack.^[77] He was survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter.^[77] The Karnataka state government declared a three-day mourning period, closing government offices and educational institutions on the day of the funeral.^[78] His body was transported to his native village of Nelogi in Jewargi taluk, where last rites were performed with full state honors, including a 21-gun salute, on July 28, 2017, following Rajput traditions.^[79]^[80] Thousands, including Congress party members from regions like Bidar and Kalaburagi, paid their respects during the procession and cremation.^[81]

Public Tributes

Political leaders from across Karnataka's spectrum offered tributes following N. Dharam Singh's death on July 27, 2017, often highlighting his reputation as Ajatashatru—a figure without enemies—in state politics. Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president G. Parameshwara described Singh as having navigated a decades-long career without personal foes, crediting him with advocating for working-class rights and upholding progressive, secular principles.^[82] Similarly, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, whose Janata Dal (Secular had allied with Congress under Singh's leadership, called him large-hearted and beloved by peers despite coalition frictions.^[82] Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who had served as Singh's deputy from 2004 to 2006, mourned the event as an immense loss to Karnataka and Congress, praising Singh's administrative acumen and role in bolstering the party's organizational strength.^[83] Opposition BJP state president B.S. Yeddyurappa echoed this by noting Singh's soft-spoken demeanor and dedication to welfare across communities, reflecting cross-party respect for his grassroots patronage style.^[82] National Congress figures, including Rahul Gandhi, portrayed him as a dedicated people's leader with over five decades of service.^[84] Singh's funeral on July 28, 2017, at his birthplace Nelogi village drew thousands, including dignitaries and seers from various mutts, with full state honors underscoring broad acknowledgment amid his era's governance probes.^[79] While some obituaries referenced the shadow of illegal iron ore mining accusations against him—stemming from cases during his 2004–2006 tenure—contemporary reactions prioritized his personal tolerance and lack of vendettas over such critiques.^[85] This empirical turnout from rivals signaled residual esteem for a leader seen as steady and unvindictive, even if not dynamically inspiring in media retrospectives.^[14]

Legacy and Assessments

Political Impact

Dharam Singh's leadership of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government from May 2004 to January 2006 established the first such arrangement in Karnataka's post-independence history, following a hung assembly in the 2004 elections where Congress won 65 seats out of 224. This coalition, necessitated by neither party securing a majority, introduced a model of power-sharing that influenced subsequent political dynamics but revealed structural vulnerabilities, as JD(S) withdrew support after 20 months, triggering a constitutional crisis and President's Rule. The episode contributed to a cycle of unstable governments, including the brief JD(S)-BJP alliance in 2006 and later coalitions, fostering perceptions of opportunistic alliances over stable governance in the state.^[6]^[86]^[87] In north Karnataka, particularly Bidar district where Singh represented Jevargi for multiple terms, his organizational efforts fortified Congress's regional base amid the area's economic challenges and Lingayat-dominated politics. Contemporaries credited him with building party infrastructure over five decades, enabling Congress to retain influence in Hyderabad-Karnataka constituencies despite statewide shifts. This groundwork correlated with Congress's seat gains in the 2008 assembly elections, rising to 80 seats overall, including holds in northern segments, even as BJP capitalized on coalition fallout to form government.^[88]^[14]^[89] Singh's consensus-oriented approach bridged Congress factions and allied with JD(S), averting immediate post-2004 deadlock, yet the coalition's implosion amplified inter-party distrust, indirectly aiding BJP's expansion by fragmenting opposition votes in subsequent cycles. Critics within political analyses have noted that such leadership styles, while stabilizing short-term, reinforced Congress's reliance on centralized high command interventions, perpetuating internal hierarchies over decentralized empowerment, as seen in recurring factional pulls post his tenure.^[5]

Evaluations from Contemporaries

Congress leaders and allies frequently lauded Dharam Singh for his humility, administrative competence, and ability to foster cross-community support despite his minority Rajput background in Karnataka's caste-driven politics. M. Mallikarjun Kharge, a longtime associate, highlighted Singh's patience in engaging with constituents daily, portraying him as a dedicated grassroots leader who prioritized accessibility over confrontation.^[90] Rahul Gandhi described him posthumously as a "people's leader" who demonstrated mettle as an administrator during his tenure.^[84] Such views emphasized his role in stabilizing the 2004 Congress-JD(S) coalition initially, crediting his soft-spoken demeanor for accommodating diverse factions in a hung assembly.^[4] In contrast, political opponents from the BJP and JD(S) portrayed Singh's leadership as ineffective in managing crises and marred by governance lapses, with the coalition's collapse after 20 months underscoring perceived instability.^[6] BJP figures implicitly critiqued his administration through broader attacks on Congress-era mismanagement, linking it to stalled development and corruption vulnerabilities that eroded public trust.^[50] JD(S) leaders, after withdrawing support in 2006 to install H.D. Kumaraswamy as chief minister, faulted Singh's handling of power-sharing disputes, viewing it as a failure of decisive authority amid escalating factional tensions.^[6] The 2017 Lokayukta indictment of Singh in the illegal mining scandal, upheld by Supreme Court orders for investigation, fueled opponent narratives of complicity in resource extraction irregularities during his 2004–2006 term, contrasting with ally defenses of his integrity as a non-confrontational administrator.^[50] These evaluations reveal a polarized legacy: short-term coalition steadiness appreciated by supporters, yet critiqued for lacking robust reforms and crisis response, empirically tied to the government's ouster and Congress's subsequent electoral setbacks in Karnataka.^[14]

References

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DHARAM SINGH | Election Pandit
Dharam Singh was born in Nelogi village of Jevargi taluk (in Kalaburagi district of the Karnataka). He was from Rajput family, who are minority community in ...Missing: biography - - | Show results with:biography - -
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Former Karnataka Chief Minister Dharam Singh Dies Of Heart Attack ...
Jul 28, 2017 · Former Karnataka Chief Minister Dharam Singh Dies Of Heart Attack At 81. Ailing for the last few months, N Dharam Singh fainted at his home ...
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N Dharam Singh Was The 'Ajatashatru' Of Karnataka Politics - NDTV
Jul 28, 2017 · Born on December 25, 1936 in Nelogi village of Kalburgi district to Narayan Singh and Padmavathi, N Dharam Singh was 17th chief minister of ...Missing: biography - - | Show results with:biography - -
[4]
Dharam Singh: A party loyalist, but a friend of all - The Hindu
Jul 28, 2017 · N. Dharam Singh was an experienced politician, but was a low-profile, soft-spoken man with no “firebrand” leadership qualities.Missing: biography - - | Show results with:biography - -
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Dharam Singh was the 'Ajatashatru' of Karnataka politics
Jul 27, 2017 · Singh, 80, struggled over the last two years with extreme ill-health, topped by recent allegations of allowing illegal mining during his tenure as CM between ...
[6]
What made Dharam Singh a special politician | Bengaluru News
Jul 28, 2017 · Dharam Singh was the first chief minister of a coalition government in Karnataka. His Congress-JD(S) government, which lasted 20 months, opened a new chapter ...Missing: facts - | Show results with:facts -
[7]
Dharam Singh, former Karnataka CM, passes away - The Hindu
Jul 27, 2017 · N. Dharam Singh, former Chief Minister of Karnataka, passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Thursday morning after a heart attack. He was 80.
[8]
Former Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh passes away at 80
Jul 27, 2017 · Former Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh passed away at a Bengaluru hospital on Thursday, doctors said. Singh was 80. He was the 17th ...
[9]
Former Karnataka CM Dharam Singh passes away
Jul 27, 2017 · Dharam Singh was born at Nelogi village of Kalaburagi district on December 25, 1936 to Narayan Singh and Padmavati. Dharam Singh completed ...Missing: biography - - | Show results with:biography - -
[10]
Former Karnataka chief minister N Dharam Singh dies - Times of India
Jul 27, 2017 · Former Karnataka chief minister N Dharam Singh died of a heart attack at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Thursday. Singh, 80, is survived by his wife and ...
[11]
A small city councillor who went on to become CM - Deccan Herald
Jul 27, 2017 · A political stalwart from Hyderabad-Karnataka region, former chief minister N Dharam Singh ... born in Nelogi village of Jewargi taluk in ...
[12]
Dharam Singh - Karnataka.com
Sep 29, 2007 · Born on December 25, 1936 in Nelogi village of Jewargi taluk [Gulbarga district], Singh is a product of the Osmania University in Hyderabad and ...
[13]
Karnataka's naram Dharam - The New Indian Express
Jul 28, 2017 · Beginning his political career by participating in the Goa Liberation Movement in 1958, Singh became an independent corporator of Gulbarga ...
[14]
N Dharam Singh: 'A simple politician with no enemies' | India News
Jul 28, 2017 · Dharam Singh emerged on the political firmament as a labor union leader from the Gulbarga region and was propelled into power by the wave of ...
[15]
Former Karnataka CM Dharam Singh passes away, he was 80
Jul 27, 2017 · He joined the Indian National Congress in the late 1960s. Between 1968 and 1988, he was the Chairman of the Gulbarga City Municipal Corporation.Missing: council | Show results with:council
[16]
Fomer K'taka CM Dharam Singh files nomination for a record win ...
Mr Narayan Singh Dharam Singh entered the State Assembly by winning the Jewargi seat in 1972 election defeating a three time MP Mahadevappa Banpurs. Since ...
[17]
A monumental joint effort - The Hindu
Jul 28, 2017 · Dharam Singh won eight Assembly elections in a row between 1972 and 2004 and Mr. Kharge won elections for a record 11 times, including nine ...
[18]
How they use electoral success to breed further success | News ...
Dharam Singh,76,now MP,won eight times from Jewargi in Gulbarga until he was defeated in 2008. Like Kharge,he emerged as a union leader from the region and ...<|separator|>
[19]
North Karnataka Feels Left Behind As Development Gulf With South ...
Aug 16, 2018 · There are various reasons for the disconnect between north and south Karnataka, especially in terms of development with regard to Hyderabad- ...
[20]
Dharam Singh was the 'Ajatashatru' of Karnataka politics
Jul 27, 2017 · ... Beginning his political innings by participating in the Goa Liberation Movement in 1958, he became an independent corporator of Gulbarga ...Missing: freedom nationalist activities
[21]
[PDF] MARCH OF KARNATAKA
Oct 15, 2023 · constituted, on the basis of report of Shri Dharma Singh committee towards development of Hyderabad Karnataka. Special fund of 60 crores was ...<|separator|>
[22]
Special gift from former Karnataka CM Dharam Singh - India Today
Dec 6, 2008 · Dharam Singh, three years younger to Deve Gowda, will chronicle his baptism into politics as an independent corporator in Gulbarga Municipal ...Missing: 1968 | Show results with:1968
[23]
Karnataka Assembly Election Results in 2004
Jul 28, 2021 · Party Name, Seats. Indian National Congress (INC), 65. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), 79. Kannada Chalavali Vatal Paksha (KCVP), 1.<|separator|>
[24]
Karnataka polls: Why the 2004 Congress-JD(S) coalition fell apart
Apr 27, 2023 · Congress came second after BJP and JD(S) played kingmaker to enter into an alliance with the grand old party - for Karnataka's first ...
[25]
Karnataka election results 2018: As Congress-JD(S) come together ...
May 15, 2018 · Karnataka election results 2018: Karnataka last witnessed a hung Assembly after the 2004 state election, when BJP emerged as the largest ...
[26]
Dharam Singh sworn in as Karnataka CM - Rediff.com
May 28, 2004 · The agreement between the two sides is on "Maharashtra model" with Congress, being the bigger partner, getting the chief ministership and ...
[27]
Earthy neta with sharp mind - Times of India
In 2004, when former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda agreed to give Congress the chief minister's post in the coalition government, Siddaramaiah, then in the JD(S) ...
[28]
Dharam Singh sworn in as Karnataka CM - Business Standard
Jan 28, 2013 · Singh was elected for the eighth consecutive term from the Jewargi Assembly constituency in Gulbarga district of Hyderabad-Karnataka region.Missing: attendance | Show results with:attendance
[29]
Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka fights over ...
Jun 14, 2004 · More than a week after the new regime, congress-JD(S) took over, there is bloody wrangling going on between the allies over cabinet berths.Missing: withdrawal 2004-2006
[30]
https://www.coastaldigest.com/news/57488-2004-coalition-was-jds-biggest-blunder-deve-gowda
[31]
Kumaraswamy breaks Karnataka's first coalition govt, BJP looks to ...
Jan 30, 2006 · H.D. Deve Gowda son's H.D. Kumaraswamy rebelled against his father, marshalled a majority of the JD(S) legislators on his side to stake ...
[32]
http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ac.in/energy/wetlandnews/27Oct05a/makeover.htm
[33]
A dispute in the Krishna basin - Frontline - The Hindu
May 6, 2005 · In Karnataka's case many drought-prone, backward areas became part of it after the reorganisation of States.
[34]
[PDF] March of
Aug 26, 2025 · In the context of national politics, he advocates that freedom, justice and equality are inseparable. Hence, for India he still represents unity ...
[35]
For growth with equity - Frontline - The Hindu
Oct 22, 2004 · A loyal Congressman who has been a legislator for 33 years, Dharam Singh has adroitly managed to keep the coalition government afloat despite ...Missing: advocacy | Show results with:advocacy
[36]
Karnataka to expand 'Learning Guarantee' programme
The state government has announced that it will expand the Learning Guarantee Programme under the Azim Premji Foundation to 1000 schools across the state.
[37]
Dharam Singh remembered on eighth death anniversary in Nelogi
Jul 27, 2025 · Dharam Singh was observed with religious rituals, floral tributes and public service initiatives at his native village of Nelogi in Jewargi ...Missing: Sikh Lingayat
[38]
A big boost to Dharam Singh | India News
Oct 17, 2004 · BANGALORE: Karnataka chief minister Dharam Singh is gradually coming out of the cocoon of vulnerability, insecurity and indecisiveness.
[39]
A delayed expansion - Frontline - The Hindu
Jan 14, 2005 · Dharam Singh continues to hold several important portfolios. Apart from Home, these include the Department of Personnel and Administrative ...Missing: career | Show results with:career<|control11|><|separator|>
[40]
Dharam & allies grapple with budget - Telegraph India
Singh and Siddaramaiah attributed the delay in reaching a consensus to efforts by the coalition government to arrive at a pro-farmer and pro-poor programme. “ ...
[41]
Dharam Singh ministry - Wikipedia
Dharam Singh ministry was the Council of Ministers in Karnataka, a state in South India headed by Dharam Singh that was formed after the 2004 Karnataka ...
[42]
2006: Year of political turmoil for Karnataka - Rediff.com
Dec 16, 2006 · ... withdraw support to JD(S)-Congress coalition led to the collapse of the 20-month-old Dharam Singh government. Kumaraswamy, the 46-year-old ...
[43]
[PDF] Changing Political Scenario in Karnataka - IJCRT.org
Aug 8, 2020 · Thipanna held on January 18, 2006, JD(S) decided to withdraw support to the government and ... On January 29th, 2006 Governor invited JD(S) rebel.
[44]
Coup in Karnataka - Frontline - The Hindu
Feb 10, 2006 · With the avowed aim of keeping communal forces out of government, the JD(S) and the Congress had, after a series of confabulations, including ...
[45]
Congress loses power in Karnataka | The Daily Star
... Congress' ruling coalition partner Janatal Dal (S) led by H D Kumaraswamy, son of former JD (S) chief and former Indian Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. A new JD ...
[46]
Dharam Singh resigns; new Karnataka govt to take oath on Feb 3
Jan 28, 2006 · Dharam Singh resigns; new Karnataka govt to take oath on Feb 3. Governor T N Chaturvedi has invited H D Kumaraswamy to form the new JD(S)-BJP ...Missing: collapse | Show results with:collapse
[47]
Dharam Singh resigns as Karnataka CM - Rediff.com
Jan 28, 2006 · He said that to avoid the crisis, the Congress had offered the JDS whatever they wanted. "All demands were conceded because of our anxiety to ...Missing: withdrawal | Show results with:withdrawal
[48]
Dharam Singh rules out resignation - Hindustan Times
Jan 19, 2006 · The Karnataka CM N Dharam Singh ruled out his resignation in the wake of the political crisis gripping the coalition government.Missing: collapse | Show results with:collapse
[49]
https://www.m.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=62577
[50]
Mining Scam: After All, Tainted Dharam Singh might go Unscathed!
Jul 14, 2009 · In his report, the Lokayukta had estimated that the state government lost about Rs 23 crore because of the decisions taken by the government ...<|separator|>
[51]
Probe 2 Ex-Chief Ministers In Karnataka Mining Scam, Says ... - NDTV
Mar 31, 2017 · Six years after a Lokayukta report indicted two Karnataka chief ministers N Dharam Singh ... These relaxations were illegal and violated the rules ...
[52]
Krishna, HDK, Dharam in FIR on illegal mining - Deccan Herald
Dec 8, 2011 · ... illegal mining that was traced in the Lokayukta reports. The complaint accuses Dharam Singh of issuing temporary transport permits for ...
[53]
Report of KARNATAKA LOKAYUKTA Into Allegations of Illegal Mining
Rating 5.0 (1) This document introduces the terms of reference for an investigation by the Karnataka Lokayukta regarding allegations of corruption and illegal mining.
[54]
The guilty, named in 2008, got away - Deccan Herald
Jul 17, 2011 · The Lokayukta in his report submitted in December 2008 pointed out several shortcomings, illegalities and irregularities in mining business, and had ...
[55]
Janthakal mining scam: SIT summons Dharam Singh for questioning
Jul 25, 2017 · Mr Singh is accused of allowing illegal iron ore mining and for de-reservation of 11,797 sqkm of forest land in Bellary district. The Supreme ...Missing: granite 2013
[56]
Dharam Singh denies involvement in illegal mining
May 14, 2012 · ... Dharam Singh and 12 senior IAS officers under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The report states that Dharam Singh as chief minister ...Missing: perception infrastructure projects
[57]
Dharam Singh: Supreme Court orders SIT to conduct probe against ...
Mar 31, 2017 · The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct probe against the two leaders, along with bureaucrats named ...
[58]
SC directs SIT probe on iron ore mining allegations against HD ...
Mar 29, 2017 · Dharam Singh was Karnataka CM in the Congress-JD-S coalition ... illegal mining case. Court · Business · Justice · Karnataka · Legal · Iron Ore ...
[59]
Illegal mining: SM Krishna, 2 former CMs booked - Moneylife
... Dharam Singh and Mr Kumaraswamy permitted illegal mining for pecuniary gains. ... illegal mining presented to the government by then Lokayukta Santosh ...
[60]
Lokayukta orders probe against former Karnataka CM Dharam Singh
Apr 16, 2012 · The complainant accused Dharam Singh, now Congress MP, of illegally denotifying 10 acres, 17 guntas (a gunta is 1/40th of an acre) in ...
[61]
Lokayukta police to probe plaint against Dharam, Revanna
Dharam Singh issued a denotification order on October 25, 2005 for the entire 10 acres and 17 guntas of land, without considering the objections of the Urban ...
[62]
Lokayukta probe against Dharam Singh, Revanna
May 16, 2012 · Dharam Singh has been accused of denotifying 10 acres and 17 guntas of land in Uttarahalli, Bangalore South, belonging to JD(S) MLC K V Narayana ...
[63]
Complaint filed against Revanna, Dharam Singh in Lokayukta court
Apr 8, 2012 · A fresh complaint was filed in the Special Lokayukta Court on Saturday against the former Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh and senior Janata ...
[64]
CID indicts 3 former Karnataka CMs in 25 cases | India News ...
... Dharam Singh are set to face criminal proceedings ... 2012 on land denotifications carried out by governments from 2007 to 2012. ... "The denotification of land had ...
[65]
'Corrupt' politicians in Karnataka fear Lokayukta more ... - India Today
Jul 18, 2012 · These apart, former chief ministers N. Dharam Singh and H. D. Kumaraswamy are still under the Lokayukta radar as are incumbent Jagadish Shettar ...<|separator|>
[66]
Siddaramaiah govt breaks all records in availing loans - Times of India
Dec 18, 2015 · Karnataka is reeling under the overburden of debts during the ... Dharam Singh and HD Kumarswami had taken total Rs 19,181.69 crores.Missing: policies | Show results with:policies
[67]
Teacher suspended for Facebook post criticising Karnataka CM ...
May 22, 2023 · “Chief ministers who have made debts (in crores): SM Krishna 3590; Dharam Singh- 15,635;HDK-3545; BSY- 25,653; S Gowda- 9464; J Shettar- – ...
[68]
Karnataka: Big names bite the dust - Rediff.com
May 25, 2008 · The Karnataka elections had its share of upsets this year. Some major politicians who were defeated include former chief ministers N Dharam ...
[69]
Dharam Singh's dream of creating a record thrashed - Oneindia News
May 25, 2008 · Gulbarga, May 25 (UNI) Former Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh's dream of making it to the Legislative Assembl.
[70]
N. Dharamsingh(Indian National Congress(INC)) - MyNeta
Dharamsingh (Winner). Bidar (KARNATAKA). Party:INC. S/o|D/o|W/o: Late.Sri Narayan Singh.
[71]
PC: Bidar 2009 - IndiaVotes
State: Karnataka. ACs: 8. PC Type: GEN. Poll Date: 16 April 2009. Counting Date: 16 May 2009. Result Date: 23 May 2009. Votes % INC (43.4) BJP (38.3) JD(S) ...
[72]
N.Dharam Singh | PRSIndia
N.Dharam Singh, State: Karnataka (30 more MPs), Constituency: Bidar, Party: Indian National Congress 209 more MPs), Nature of membership: Elected.
[73]
Dharam Singh wants to contest from Bidar again - The Hindu
Aug 26, 2013 · Dharam Singh, MP, has indicated that he wants to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Bidar again. “I will withdraw from the contest if (All- ...
[74]
Ex-CM Dharam Singh hospitalized - News Karnataka
Mar 20, 2015 · Sources said the former CM is in Vikram Hospital on Cunningham Road for treatment of fluctuation in blood pressure levels. It is learnt, the ...
[75]
For mer CM Dharam Singh in hospital - Deccan Herald
Feb 3, 2016 · Former chief minister N Dharam Singh was rushed to Vikram Hospital in the City early on Wednesday after he complained of fever and difficulty in ...Missing: health | Show results with:health
[76]
Bengaluru: Former CM Dharam Singh becomes ill - hospitalized ...
Dharam had arrived at the city on Tuesday night from Kalaburagi. His health turned volatile after reaching here. Alongside fever, cold, and throat pain, he also ...Missing: issues | Show results with:issues
[77]
Dharam Singh suffered a massive cardiac arrest: Hospital - The Hindu
Jul 27, 2017 · Dharam Singh was brought to the Department of Emergency Medicine, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, in an unresponsive state at around 10.30 a.m..
[78]
Former Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh Dead at 80
Jul 27, 2017 · “Singh died at 11.54 a.m. following a massive heart attack in the intensive care unit (ICU),” a spokesperson of M.S. Ramaiah Hospital told IANS.
[79]
Thousands of people bid a Tearful adieu to Karnataka ex-CM ...
The state government on Thursday declared a three-day mourning in honour of Singh. Government offices and educational institutions were closed on Friday in ...
[80]
Dharam Singh cremated with full state honours
Jul 29, 2017 · Last rites of former Chief Minister N Dharam Singh were performed at his native village of Nelogi in Jewargi taluk on Friday evening as per Rajput traditions.
[81]
Karnataka ex-CM Dharam Singh dead - Business Standard
Jul 27, 2017 · A state funeral with a 21-gun salute will be given to Dharam Singh when his body will be buried on Friday at his farmhouse on the outskirts ...
[82]
Thousands pay homage to their beloved leader - The Hindu
Jul 28, 2017 · Thousands of people from Bidar, Kalaburagi and other parts of Hyderabad Karnataka region paid last respects to their beloved leader N. Dharam Singh.
[83]
Leaders from all parties pay tributes - Deccan Herald
Leaders across the political spectrum condoled the death of former chief minister N Dharam Singh. KPCC president G Parameshwara in his message said Singh had no ...
[84]
Dharam Singh's demise is great loss to state, party: Siddaramaiah
Jul 27, 2017 · “His death is a great loss to the State and Congress Party. He was a good administrator, and he strengthened the party in his political career ...
[85]
Sonia, Rahul condole death of former Karna CM Dharam Singh
Jul 27, 2017 · "Former Karnataka CM Dharam Singhji was a people's leader, with a distinguished career of over five decades. My condolences on his passing," he ...
[86]
Former Karnataka CM Dharam Singh, accused in iron ore mining ...
Jul 27, 2017 · The 80-year-old Congress leader, who was the chief minister from 2004 to 2006, was an accused in the iron ore mining case in the state.
[87]
A look at Karnataka's tryst with rocky coalition governments
May 15, 2018 · With Dharam Singh as chief minister and Siddaramaiah as deputy chief minister, the government was going strong until HD Kumaraswamy ...Missing: challenges | Show results with:challenges
[88]
[PDF] A study on the genesis of coalition government and causes for its ...
... coalition government. N. Dharam Singh of the Congress was the. Chief Minister. The government collapsed after a group of the JD(S) leaders withdrew their ...
[89]
Dharam Singh's demise a great loss to Karnataka, Congress
“His death is a great loss to the State and Congress Party. He was a good administrator, and he strengthened the party in his political career of five decades,” ...
[90]
2004 Vidhan Sabha / Assembly election results Karnataka - IndiaVotes
AC: Karnataka 2004 ; Electors: 3,85,86,754 ; Votes Polled: 2,50,88,438 ; Turnout: 65.0% ; Total ACs: 224 ; Bye Election Results: 2 ...
[91]
Rahul Gandhi visits families of Dharam Singh, Qamar ul Islam
Feb 13, 2018 · Kharge told the Congress president that Dharam Singh had the patience to interact with hundreds of people every day. “He [Mr. Singh] used to ...