Belagavi, May 21 :Former Union Minister and senior farmers leader Babagouda Patil passed away after a prolonged illness at a private Hospital here Today. He was 76.

He is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters.

He was elected to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly (1989-94) from Kittur before electing the Lok Sabha MP in 1998. He served as minister of state for rural development in the A B Vajpayee cabinet.

Bhartiya Krishika Samaja (BKS) State president Siddanagouda Modagi and other farmer leaders have condoled the demise.(uni)