Shivamogga (Karnataka), BJP leader and former MLC MB Bhanuprakash died of a heart attack on Monday during a protest organized by his party against the hike in petrol and diesel prices in Karnataka.

Bhanuprakash (69), who was earlier the party's state vice president and district president, led the protest here and addressed the workers.

"He collapsed due to a heart attack while sitting in his car," a police source said. "He was taken to the nearest hospital, but could not be saved."