NEW DELHI: BJP leader M B Bhanuprakash passed away due to a cardiac arrest on Monday while participating in a protest organized by his party against the rise in petrol and diesel prices in Karnataka.
"He collapsed after suffering cardiac arrest while getting into his car," a police source said. "He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but could not be saved," the source added.
Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra said that the unexpected demise of Bhanuprakash has deeply shocked him.
"Bhanuprakash worked for the BJP till his last breath. His demise has caused great loss to the party," he said.
The former MLC, who previously held roles as the party's state vice-president and district president, led the protest and spoke to the workers.
Congress government in Karnataka increased the VAT on petrol to 29.84% and on diesel to 18.44% on Sunday.
"The Government of Karnataka has increased VAT on petrol to 29.84 percent and on diesel to 18.44 per cent. Even after this hike, our state's taxes on fuel remain lower than most South Indian states and similar economy-sized states like Maharashtra. In Maharashtra, the VAT on petrol is 25 per cent plus Rs 5.12 additional tax, and on diesel, it is 21 percent. Karnataka's revised rates are still more affordable," CM Siddaramaiah said.
This prompted the opposition BJP to organise a protest against the state government on Monday.
(With inputs from agencies)