Bengaluru : Vimala Gowda, BJP MLC, died in Bengaluru on Monday. She was 63.

Ms. Gowda, who suffered a cardiac arrest a few weeks ago, had been admitted to a private hospital where she breathed her last. She is survived by husband and two sons.

An old-time party worker in Bengaluru, Ms. Gowda has served as the BJP State women’s wing president besides being a three-time MLC. Popularly known as Vimalakka in party circles, she has also held the post of deputy chairperson of the Legislative Council.

Expressing shock over her death, BJP State president B.S. Yeddyurappa described her as an amiable person. Union Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda described her as a leader with a strong resolve. Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashok said her demise was a big loss for the party, especially its women workers.

BJP spokesperson and MLA S. Suresh Kumar described her as a person with strong commitment to the party.