Karnataka - Bidar   

Freedom fighter R.V. Bidap is dead

Staff Correspondent

He played a key role in the movement for unification of Karnataka

R.V. Bidap

Bidar: Freedom fighter and Karnataka unification movement leader Rachappa Veerabhadrappa Bidap died of a prolonged illness in Bangalore on Sunday. He was 85 and is survived by two sons. People in his home district of Bidar mourned his death on Monday.

The book "The life and times of R.V. Bidap" published by the Karnataka Rashtriya Education Society Employees' Association describes him as a radical humanist. Mr. Bidap modernised Bidar with his progressive views and dedication, says its author C.N. Hiremath.

Mr. Bidap was born in Chitaguppa in Humnabad taluk. His father had to suffer social boycott for dining at a Dalit's marriage in Kodambal village. This experience in early childhood left a lasting impression on his mind. He remained a progressive thinker till the end. He met Subhash Chandra Bose while studying in Aligarh Muslim University in 1939. Mr. Bidap completed his LLB from Poona Law College. He was the college mate of Y.V. Chandrachud, the former Chief Justice of India.

Mr. Bidap was sent to Yerwada jail along with leaders such as Keshavrao Pawar for participating in the Quit India Movement in 1942. He started legal practice in Hyderabad in 1944. He participated in the anti-Nizam movement and was arrested.

Mr. Bidap was later made in charge of the civil disobedience movement in Hyderabad Karnataka region. A group of youth led by Mr. Bidap declared 13 villages, including Shantgiri and Itagi, free from Nizam's rule in 1947. He led the unification movement in Bidar and surrounding areas. Ram Manohar Lohia visited Bidar to inaugurate the farmers' association formed by Mr. Bidap.

Mr. Bidap also founded the Bidriware Artisans' Cooperative Society. He also served as president of the Akhila Bharata Basava Samiti. He was also chairman of KPSC.

At a condolence meeting at the Karnataka College, people recalled his contribution to the unification movement. Many speakers felt that he did not get the credit he deserved for leading the movement. Some speakers praised his contribution to the development of education in the district. The college managing committee secretary Basavaraj Jabshetty, joint secretary S. Patil, treasurer C. Madki and others were present. The college staff and students paid tributes to the departed leader.

Karnataka Administrative Tribunal chairman S.B. Majge and District and Sessions judge N.B. Majge have condoled the death of Mr. Bidap.

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