Chennamma Deve Gowda, wife of former PM HD Deve Gowda, dies at 85
Synopsis
Chennamma Deve Gowda, who survived an acid attack 25 years ago against all odds, passed away at 85 on 18 July at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru following a heart attack — leaving behind a legacy as the quiet pillar behind one of India's former Prime Ministers and a political dynasty that continues to shape Karnataka.
Key Takeaways
Chennamma Deve Gowda , aged 85 , passed away at Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru on 18 July at around 4 pm .
She had been admitted for severe respiratory complications and died following a heart attack .
Her husband, former Prime Minister H.D.
Deve Gowda , is 93 years old ; sons H.D.
Kumaraswamy and H.D.
Revanna were present at the hospital.
Funeral rites are likely to be held in Hassan , Deve Gowda's home district, though no formal announcement had been made as of Saturday evening.
BJP Karnataka President B.Y.
Vijayendra and TTD Trust Board member S.
Naresh Kumar were among those who conveyed condolences.
Chennamma Deve Gowda, wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, passed away on Saturday, 18 July at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru. She was 85. According to hospital sources, she suffered a heart attack and was pronounced dead at around 4 pm, after having been admitted for severe respiratory complications over the preceding days.
Final Hours and Medical Condition
Chennamma had been under constant observation by a team of specialist doctors at Manipal Hospital for three days prior to her passing. According to family sources, her vital parameters were reported as stable on Saturday morning before her condition deteriorated rapidly due to breathing-related complications. Her health had reportedly taken a sudden turn for the worse on Thursday, 17 July, triggering immediate concern within the family.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy, her son, cancelled all scheduled engagements to be at the hospital. Her elder son, Holenarasipura MLA H.D. Revanna, and his wife, Bhavani Revanna, remained at the hospital overnight. The 93-year-old former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, along with both sons, had rushed to the hospital and conferred with treating doctors after her condition worsened.
A Life Defined by Resilience
Kumaraswamy, speaking to reporters earlier, recalled a near-fatal crisis his mother had faced approximately 25 years ago following an acid attack, from which she had recovered against slim odds. 'Twenty-five years ago, following an acid attack, there was very little chance of her survival. By God's grace, she recovered then,' he said. The emotional toll on the family was visible on Friday, with Deve Gowda reportedly breaking down while discussing his wife's condition, saying 'everything is now in the hands of God.'
Political Leaders Express Condolences
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Karnataka State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra expressed profound grief, stating that Chennamma had played a significant role in supporting Deve Gowda throughout his political journey and had made an invaluable contribution to his public life. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board member S. Naresh Kumar described her as 'a personification of simplicity, grace, and strong family values' who 'stood as a pillar of strength behind former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda throughout his public life.' He added, 'Her service and sacrifices will always be remembered. Her passing is an irreparable loss not only to the Deve Gowda family but also to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her closely.'
Funeral Arrangements
The family had not formally announced the venue for the final rites as of Saturday evening. Members of the Deve Gowda family indicated that funeral proceedings are likely to be held in Hassan, the former Prime Minister's home district in Karnataka. A formal decision was expected to be communicated shortly.
Point of View
Raised a dynasty, and remained largely outside the media glare even as her family dominated Karnataka's political landscape for decades. The outpouring from across party lines, including the BJP's Vijayendra, reflects both genuine respect and the Deve Gowda family's continued relevance as a political force. With Kumaraswamy in the Union Cabinet and Revanna navigating his own legal controversies, the family enters a period of grief at a moment of significant political exposure — a dynamic that will inevitably shape Karnataka's coalition arithmetic in the months ahead.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Chennamma Deve Gowda?
Chennamma Deve Gowda was the wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and mother of Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and MLA H.D. Revanna. She was widely regarded as a pillar of strength behind the Deve Gowda family's decades-long political career in Karnataka.
How did Chennamma Deve Gowda die?
According to hospital sources, Chennamma passed away at around 4 pm on 18 July at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru following a heart attack. She had been admitted for severe respiratory complications and was under specialist care for three days prior to her death.
Where will Chennamma Deve Gowda's funeral be held?
As of Saturday evening, the family had not formally announced the venue. Members of the Deve Gowda family indicated the funeral rites are likely to take place in Hassan, the former Prime Minister's home district in Karnataka.
What did H.D. Kumaraswamy say about his mother's health?
Kumaraswamy recalled that his mother had survived an acid attack roughly 25 years ago with very little chance of survival. He said, 'By God's grace, she recovered then,' and had expressed hope in her recovery before her passing.
Who offered condolences after Chennamma Deve Gowda's death?
BJP Karnataka State President B.Y. Vijayendra and TTD Trust Board member S. Naresh Kumar were among the first to offer condolences. Vijayendra credited her with playing a significant role in Deve Gowda's political journey, while Naresh Kumar described her as a personification of simplicity and grace.
