Bangalore: Dr. V.S. Acharya (71) is no more, we regret to report. He was in Mangalore attending a function on exports with Union minister Dr. V.S. Moily present on Monday, and released a souvenir on the occasion, attended by MP Nalin Kumar and city MLA, N. Yogish Bhat.

Next thing we hear about him is from Bangalore on Tuesday that he passed away, after collapsing on the dais in a function, and being taken Mallige hospital. He had a massive heart attack at the function, on lookers regretfully stated.

CM DV Sadananda Gowda expressed his shock on the sudden death of a prominent colleague in his cabinet in charge of higher education. Dr. V.S. Acharya is said have been declared dead at 1 PM (after noon).

The body would be flown to Udupi, Dr. Acharya’s hometown later tonight.  He was known as the lone honest face in BJP cabinets as Home minister (under Yeddy) and Higher Education (which included Medical education as well).

A senior BJP leaders he, leaves his wife, 4 sons and a daughter. His mortal remains were shifted to his official residence on the Race course Road from the hospital in Seshadripuram.

Dr. Vedavyasa Srinivasa Acharya was in charge of Udupi district for the last 4 year even during 2 Paryaya festivals.

A  2 day mourning thought the sate is declared and all schools and colleges will remain closed in due respect to him. Dr V.S. Acharya practised medicine before he came into BJP politics. He was the senior most minister in the present cabinet.