Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other leaders on Saturday expressed grief over the demise of Chennamma, wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, who passed away at the age of 85 following an illness at a private hospital in Bengaluru.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Deeply pained by the passing of Smt. Chennamma Ji, wife of former Prime Minister Shri Deve Gowda Ji. She was admired for her humility and passion towards serving society. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with Shri Deve Gowda Ji and his entire family. Om Shanti.”
PM Modi also spoke to Deve Gowda over the telephone later in the day and conveyed his heartfelt condolences, praying for strength for the bereaved family during this difficult time.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also mourned Chennamma’s passing, recalling his long personal association with Deve Gowda and describing her as the quiet strength behind the Gowda family.
In his message, Kharge said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Chennamma, wife of Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda ji. Having shared warm personal relations with Deve Gowda over the years, this loss is one that I feel with profound sorrow. Chennamma was the quiet strength of the Gowda family – a woman of deep faith, grace and unwavering dedication. Her life was a reminder that many of the greatest contributions are made away from the public gaze, through silent sacrifice and steadfast commitment. At this difficult time, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May they get strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah described Chennamma as a pillar of strength who stood firmly by her family through every phase of life and politics.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Chennamma, the wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. As a member of the Janata Parivar, I shared a close bond with Deve Gowda’s family and knew Chennamma intimately. Chennamma was a pillar of strength who faced the hardships and pains of life without faltering, confronting everything with courage. Amid the ups and downs of Deve Gowda’s political journey, she shouldered the responsibilities of a large family and embodied the ideal homemaker,” Siddaramaiah said.
He added that despite being the spouse of a former Prime Minister, Chennamma remained humble and treated everyone warmly. “May the divine grant Deve Gowda, who has lost his long-time companion in these twilight years, the strength to bear this sorrow. My condolences to the Gowda family members. I share in their grief. May the departed soul attain eternal peace,” he said.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara also expressed sorrow over her demise, saying Chennamma had been a constant pillar of strength throughout Deve Gowda’s political journey and public life.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Chennamma, wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. Chennamma was a constant pillar of strength throughout Deve Gowda’s political journey and public life. I pray that Deve Gowda and the entire family find the strength to overcome this profound loss at the earliest. May the departed soul attain eternal peace, and may God grant the bereaved family the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi also paid tribute to Chennamma, describing her as an ideal homemaker and an embodiment of simplicity. He said she was a source of strength to the Deve Gowda family and an inspiring figure for Karnataka.
BJP Karnataka in-charge and Rajya Sabha MP Radha Mohan Das Agrawal said Chennamma symbolised simplicity, strength and unwavering support for her family, adding that her life of sacrifice and values would always be remembered.
BJP state co-in-charge Sudhakar Reddy also expressed condolences, describing Chennamma as a woman of dignity and quiet strength who stood steadfastly beside Deve Gowda throughout his public life. He said her life reflected grace, dedication and selfless service, making her a constant source of strength to those around her.
(With agency inputs)
