Deve Gowda's wife Chennamma critical at Bengaluru hospital, family vigil continues
Synopsis
At 93, former PM H.D. Deve Gowda was reportedly in tears at his wife's bedside in Bengaluru — Chennamma, who survived an acid attack 25 years ago, is now battling severe respiratory complications at Manipal Hospital. The family has cancelled all public engagements and is maintaining a round-the-clock vigil, with a formal medical bulletin still awaited.
Key Takeaways
Chennamma , wife of former Prime Minister H.D.
Deve Gowda , is in critical condition at Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru as of 18 July .
She is being treated for severe respiratory complications ; vital parameters are described as stable but breathing difficulties persist.
Her condition reportedly deteriorated suddenly on 17 July (Thursday) , prompting the family to rush to hospital.
Kumaraswamy cancelled all scheduled programmes; H.D.
Revanna and Bhavani Revanna maintained an overnight vigil.
Kumaraswamy recalled that Chennamma survived an acid attack nearly 25 years ago with very little chance of survival at the time.
Karnataka BJP State President B.Y.
Vijayendra and leaders across party lines have extended wishes for her recovery.
Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda's wife, Chennamma, remained in critical condition at Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, on Saturday, 18 July, as specialist doctors continued treating her for severe respiratory complications. A formal hospital bulletin was still awaited as of the latest reports, with family sources saying her vital parameters were described as stable even as breathing difficulties persisted.
Family Members Maintain Bedside Vigil
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy cancelled all scheduled engagements to remain close to his ailing mother. His elder brother, Holenarasipura MLA H.D. Revanna, and Revanna's wife, Bhavani Revanna, stayed at the hospital through the night, attending to Chennamma around the clock.
Chennamma's health reportedly deteriorated suddenly on Thursday, 17 July, prompting the family to rush to the hospital. Former Prime Minister Deve Gowda, along with both sons, held discussions with the treating doctors. The 93-year-old former Prime Minister was reportedly overcome with emotion while speaking about his wife's condition, saying, according to family sources, that 'everything is now in the hands of God.'
Kumaraswamy Recalls Acid Attack Ordeal 25 Years Ago
Speaking to reporters outside the hospital, Kumaraswamy drew on a harrowing episode from the past. 'Twenty-five years ago, following an acid attack, there was very little chance of her survival. By God's grace, she recovered then. The doctors at Manipal Hospital are administering the best possible treatment now. Ultimately, beyond medicine, it is her faith in Goddess Rajarajeshwari that will save her and bring her back home,' he said.
The reference underscored the family's long acquaintance with medical crisis and their continued faith in Chennamma's resilience. She has been under constant specialist observation since her admission, now entering her third day at the hospital.
Political Leaders Express Concern Across Party Lines
Well-wishers from across the political spectrum conveyed their support. Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra said, 'I pray for the speedy recovery of Chennamma, wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, who is undergoing treatment at Manipal Hospital for respiratory complications. It is heartening to know that her health has shown signs of improvement.'
Supporters and well-wishers continued to gather outside the hospital premises as the family awaited further medical updates.
What Happens Next
Doctors at Manipal Hospital are expected to issue a formal medical bulletin in the coming hours. The family remains hopeful that Chennamma will stabilise and recover. Given her age and the severity of the respiratory complications, the next 24 to 48 hours are considered medically significant by those close to the family.
Point of View
Including from BJP's Vijayendra, reflect the residual stature Deve Gowda commands even outside his political base. What is notably absent so far is a formal hospital bulletin — in high-profile cases, the gap between family statements and verified medical updates can become a source of rumour, and the hospital's silence is worth watching.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chennamma's current health condition?
Chennamma, wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, is in critical condition at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru as of 18 July, undergoing treatment for severe respiratory complications. Her vital parameters are reportedly stable, but breathing difficulties remain a concern.
When was Chennamma admitted to hospital?
Chennamma has been hospitalised for three days as of 18 July, meaning she was admitted around 15-16 July. Her condition reportedly deteriorated suddenly on Thursday, 17 July, prompting the family to rush to the hospital.
Who from the family is at the hospital?
Former PM H.D. Deve Gowda, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, and Holenarasipura MLA H.D. Revanna are all present. Bhavani Revanna, wife of H.D. Revanna, has been attending to Chennamma and stayed at the hospital overnight.
What did Kumaraswamy say about his mother's condition?
Kumaraswamy recalled that his mother had survived an acid attack nearly 25 years ago when doctors had given very little hope. He expressed faith in the treatment at Manipal Hospital and said her belief in Goddess Rajarajeshwari would aid her recovery.
Have political leaders reacted to Chennamma's hospitalisation?
Yes, leaders across party lines have expressed concern. Karnataka BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra publicly prayed for her speedy recovery and noted that her health had shown some signs of improvement, according to his statement.
