Pralhad Joshi pays last respects to Chennamma, conveys PM Modi's condolences
Synopsis
A senior Cabinet minister flew into Bengaluru on Sunday to personally pay the Centre's respects to Chennamma, wife of former PM H.D. Deve Gowda, who died at 85. The gesture signals the national political weight the Deve Gowda family continues to carry, with Joshi meeting both the former PM and his son, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, to convey PM Modi's condolences.
Key Takeaways
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi paid last respects to Chennamma at the Deve Gowda family's Padmanabhanagar, Bengaluru residence on 19 July .
Joshi conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal condolences to former PM H.D.
Deve Gowda and Union Minister H.D.
Chennamma passed away on 18 July at the age of 85 after prolonged health complications.
Her mortal remains were kept at the family residence to allow public to pay last respects before the final rites.
Joshi described Chennamma as 'the epitome of simplicity' and a pillar of support to the Deve Gowda family.
Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi on Sunday, 19 July paid his last respects to Chennamma, wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, at the family's residence in Padmanabhanagar, Bengaluru. Joshi represented the Central government and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal condolences to the bereaved family.
Joshi Travels Directly from Airport to Deve Gowda Residence
Arriving in Bengaluru on Sunday morning, Joshi proceeded straight from the airport to the Padmanabhanagar residence to offer floral tributes to Chennamma's mortal remains on behalf of the Union government. He also met former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to personally extend the Prime Minister's sympathies.
'The Prime Minister has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the entire family. I pray that God gives them the strength to bear this irreparable loss,' Joshi told reporters after the visit.
What the Government Said
Speaking to the media, Joshi remembered Chennamma as a steadying force behind one of India's most prominent political families. 'Chennamma was a pillar of support to former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and his family. Despite her husband serving as Chief Minister and Prime Minister, and her children occupying high public offices, she continued to lead a simple and humble life. Her personality and values are an inspiration to society,' he said.
Joshi described her as an ideal homemaker who remained grounded throughout her life. 'She was the epitome of simplicity. Her life serves as a model for society. It is my privilege to pay my last respects to her today as a representative of the Central government and on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,' he added.
About Chennamma
Chennamma passed away on Saturday, 18 July, at the age of 85 following prolonged health complications. Her mortal remains were kept at the family's Padmanabhanagar residence to allow the public to pay their final respects ahead of the last rites. Widely remembered for her simplicity and humility, Chennamma remained largely away from the political spotlight even as her husband and sons held some of the country's highest offices.
Context and Significance
The Central government's decision to send a senior Cabinet minister in person underscores the stature of the Deve Gowda family in national politics. H.D. Deve Gowda served as Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997 and remains a significant figure in Karnataka's political landscape. His son, H.D. Kumaraswamy, currently serves as a Union Minister. Joshi concluded by praying for eternal peace for Chennamma's soul and extending sympathies to her family members, admirers, and well-wishers.
Point of View
With its roots in Karnataka's dominant Vokkaliga community, remains a force the BJP cannot afford to sideline. H.D. Kumaraswamy's presence in the Modi cabinet makes the outreach doubly significant. What is notable, however, is the framing: Joshi's tribute focused almost entirely on Chennamma's personal virtues rather than any public role — a reflection of how political spouses of her generation were defined by proximity to power rather than wielding it. That quiet life, lived in the shadow of a Prime Minister, deserves more than a ceremonial footnote.
NationPress
20 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Chennamma, wife of H.D. Deve Gowda?
Chennamma was the wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. She passed away on 18 July at the age of 85 after prolonged health complications, and was widely remembered for her simplicity and humility despite her family's prominent political standing.
Why did Pralhad Joshi visit Bengaluru on 19 July?
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi travelled to Bengaluru on Sunday, 19 July, to pay the Central government's last respects to Chennamma and personally convey Prime Minister Narendra Modi's condolences to the Deve Gowda family.
What did Pralhad Joshi say about Chennamma?
Joshi described Chennamma as 'the epitome of simplicity' and a pillar of support to the Deve Gowda family. He noted that despite her husband and children holding high public offices, she led a humble and grounded life that he called an inspiration to society.
Who else did Pralhad Joshi meet during his Bengaluru visit?
Apart from paying floral tributes to Chennamma's mortal remains, Joshi met former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to extend PM Modi's personal condolences.
When and where are Chennamma's last rites being held?
Chennamma's mortal remains were kept at the family's Padmanabhanagar residence in Bengaluru to allow the public to pay last respects. The exact timing of the final rites was not specified in available reports.
