Chennamma Deve Gowda Dies: Former PM HD Deve Gowda's Wife Passes Away at 85 in Bengaluru
Chennamma Deve Gowda, wife of former PM HD Deve Gowda, passed away in Bengaluru on Saturday following a cardiac arrest. She was 85 and had been receiving treatment for a respiratory ailment. She is survived by her husband, four sons, and two daughters. Known for her private life, she was a central pillar for her family, including Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy.
Chennamma Deve Gowda, the wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, passed away on Saturday in Bengaluru. She was 85 years old. Chennamma had been undergoing treatment for respiratory complications at Manipal Hospital on Old Airport Road, where she was admitted on Wednesday night. Despite showing signs of improvement earlier in the week, her condition deteriorated suddenly on Saturday afternoon.
Hospital Statement
In an official communiqué, Manipal Hospital confirmed the passing of the veteran leader’s spouse. "We regret to inform that Mrs. Chennamma suffered a massive cardiac arrest despite being on the road to recovery today at 4 pm," the hospital stated. Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, his son and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, and other family members were present at the hospital when the incident occurred. HD Deve Gowda and His Wife Chennamma Test COVID-19 Positive.
A Life of Quiet Strength
Born in 1939 into a farming family in Hassan district, Chennamma married H.D. Deve Gowda in 1954. The couple had six children, including Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and MLA H.D. Revanna. Throughout her husband’s long and demanding political career - which saw him rise from a local legislator in Karnataka to the office of Prime Minister in 1996 - Chennamma largely remained away from the public spotlight. She was widely regarded as the "emotional anchor" of the family, prioritising traditional responsibilities and maintaining a simple lifestyle even as her family became one of the most prominent political households in the state.
Public figures, including her son H.D. Kumaraswamy, have often credited her values and unwavering support as the foundation of their success. She also notably survived an acid attack in February 2001, an incident reportedly linked to a family feud. Tributes are expected to follow from leaders across the political spectrum as details regarding her last rites are finalised.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 18, 2026 07:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).