Chennamma, mother of HD Kumaraswamy, passes away at 85; final rites July 20
Synopsis
Chennamma Devegowda, the woman who stood beside former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda for nearly seven decades, passed away at 85 — leaving behind a legacy of quiet faith, sacrifice, and the kind of familial strength that rarely makes headlines but shapes political dynasties. Her son Kumaraswamy's tearful tribute underscored how deeply personal loss intersects with public life in India's most prominent regional political families.
Key Takeaways
Chennamma Devegowda , wife of former PM H.D.
Deve Gowda , passed away on 18 July at the age of 85 at Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru .
Final rites are tentatively scheduled for Monday, 20 July , likely in Hassan — the family's native district.
Her mortal remains were first kept at the family's Padmanabhanagar residence for public homage before being taken to Hassan.
She had battled health complications for one-and-a-half years , having survived two COVID-19 bouts before developing respiratory issues.
Kumaraswamy recalled her 35-year unbroken devotion to the Rajarajeshwari Temple and her daily prayer routine from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Leaders across party lines offered condolences, remembering her for humility and steadfast support over 65 to 70 years beside Deve Gowda.
Chennamma Devegowda, wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and mother of Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, passed away on Saturday, 18 July at the age of 85 at Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru. Her final rites are tentatively scheduled for Monday, 20 July, with the exact time and venue to be confirmed after family consultations.
Tribute from H.D. Kumaraswamy
Speaking to reporters outside Manipal Hospital on Saturday night, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy paid an emotional tribute to his mother, describing her as a guiding force not only for the Deve Gowda family but for lakhs of people across Karnataka. He recalled her simplicity, deep devotion, and decades of sacrifice.
'The mother who gave birth to us has passed away. She was a simple woman and a great devotee of God. She stood by my father for nearly 65 to 70 years and sacrificed her life for him and the family,' Kumaraswamy said. He added: 'Whatever good virtues we possess today are because of her. Through her, we understood a mother's love and compassion.'
A Life of Faith and Quiet Strength
Kumaraswamy remembered Chennamma as a woman of profound spirituality who hailed from a small village. He said she would wake at 5 a.m. every day and remain in the prayer room until 3 p.m., often without drinking water. For the past 35 years, she reportedly visited the Rajarajeshwari Temple every Friday without fail — a routine that reflected the depth of her faith.
He also recalled a past acid attack on her, which he described as nearly fatal. 'By the blessings of Goddess Rajarajeshwari, she survived that attack. Now, perhaps God wanted her back with Him,' Kumaraswamy said.
Health Decline and Final Days
According to Kumaraswamy, Chennamma had been battling health complications for the past one-and-a-half years, with her condition worsening in recent days. She had survived two bouts of COVID-19 during the pandemic and subsequently developed respiratory complications. Kumaraswamy expressed gratitude to the medical team at Manipal Hospital, saying the doctors made every effort to save her.
Funeral Arrangements
Chennamma's mortal remains were first kept at the family's Padmanabhanagar residence in Bengaluru to allow the public to pay their last respects. The family planned to transport her remains to Hassan — the native district of both Chennamma and Deve Gowda — at around 11 a.m. on Sunday. Discussions were reportedly underway on whether the final rites would be held at the Mavinakere Temple premises or near the Ranganathaswamy Temple.
Condolences poured in from leaders across party lines, who remembered Chennamma for her humility, steadfast support, and the quiet dignity with which she stood beside one of India's most prominent political families for over six decades.
Kumaraswamy's Post on X
Kumaraswamy also shared a farewell message on social media platform X, writing: 'I bid a tearful farewell to my beloved mother, Smt. Chennamma Devegowda avaru. She was the quiet strength behind our family, the embodiment of unconditional love, sacrifice and unwavering values. Every lesson she taught us, every blessing she bestowed and every prayer she offered will remain my guiding light for the rest of my life. The void left by her passing can never be filled, but her memories will continue to live in my heart and inspire me in every step of my journey. I pray that the Almighty grants eternal peace to her noble soul. Om Shanti.'
The final details of the funeral, including the exact time and venue in Hassan, are expected to be announced by the family shortly.
Point of View
Two COVID-19 infections, and decades of political turbulence — yet her name surfaced in public discourse almost exclusively in relation to the men around her. The outpouring of condolences from across party lines reflects genuine respect, but it also exposes how the Indian political establishment tends to acknowledge such women only in obituary. Her story deserved more than a footnote.
NationPress
19 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Chennamma Devegowda?
Chennamma Devegowda was the wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and mother of Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. She passed away on 18 July at the age of 85 at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru, widely remembered for her simplicity, deep faith, and decades of support for the Deve Gowda family.
When and where will Chennamma's final rites be held?
The final rites are tentatively scheduled for Monday, 20 July, in Hassan — the native district of both Chennamma and H.D. Deve Gowda. The exact time and venue, either at the Mavinakere Temple premises or near the Ranganathaswamy Temple, was to be finalised after family consultations.
What did H.D. Kumaraswamy say about his mother?
Kumaraswamy described Chennamma as a guiding force who stood by his father for nearly 65 to 70 years. He recalled her deep spirituality — including a 35-year practice of visiting the Rajarajeshwari Temple every Friday — and said whatever good values he and his siblings possess are a result of her upbringing.
What were the health issues Chennamma faced in her final years?
Chennamma had been battling health complications for the past one-and-a-half years, with her condition deteriorating in recent days. She had survived two bouts of COVID-19 during the pandemic and subsequently developed respiratory complications, according to Kumaraswamy.
How did political leaders respond to Chennamma's passing?
Condolences came from leaders across party lines, who remembered Chennamma for her humility, sacrifice, and the quiet strength she brought to one of Karnataka's most prominent political families over six decades. Kumaraswamy also posted a personal farewell message on social media platform X.
