PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi lead tributes as leaders mourn H.D. Deve Gowda’s wife Chennamma

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and several other political leaders on Saturday condoled the death of Chennamma, wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, who passed away at the age of 85.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said he was deeply saddened by Chennamma’s passing and remembered her for her humility and dedication to social service. He also spoke to Deve Gowda over the phone to convey his personal condolences and offered prayers for strength to the bereaved family.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi described Chennamma as a source of strength throughout Deve Gowda’s decades of public life. Extending condolences to Deve Gowda, Union minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and other family members, Gandhi said her unwavering support would always be remembered.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recalled his long association with the Deve Gowda family, saying Chennamma remained a pillar of strength through every phase of the former Prime Minister’s political journey. He described her as an ideal homemaker who faced life’s challenges with courage and humility, adding that she treated everyone with warmth despite her public stature.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar paid his last respects to Chennamma and met the bereaved family. Describing her as a deeply spiritual woman and the backbone of the Deve Gowda family, he said the Karnataka government would accord full state honours during her last rites.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi termed Chennamma an embodiment of simplicity and said she was a constant source of strength to the Deve Gowda family. BJP Karnataka in-charge Radha Mohan Das Agrawal and state co-in-charge Sudhakar Reddy also paid tribute, remembering her life of sacrifice, dignity and unwavering support to her family.

Chennamma, who remained largely away from public life while supporting Deve Gowda throughout his political career, passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru after a brief illness.