Chinnamma Devi Gowda, wife of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, died on Saturday after suffering a massive cardiac arrest at a private hospital here.
The 89-year-old was admitted to Manipal Hospital on Old Airport Road in the city on Wednesday evening. She was undergoing treatment for a respiratory illness.
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The hospital said in a statement: “We regret to inform you that Ms. Chennamma suffered a massive cardiac arrest even though she was on her way to recovery today at 4 p.m..”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, among others, condoled Chinnamma’s death.
Shivakumar announced that the government has decided to give Chinnamma full official honour, keeping in mind that she was the wife of a former chief minister and mother of Central Minister H D Kumaraswamy.
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Gowda, his son Kumaraswamy and other family members were in the hospital.
Gowda married in 1954, and they had four sons and two daughters, including Union Minister Kumaraswamy and MLA HD Revanna, who represents Holnarasipur constituency in Hassan district.
Chinnamma survived an acid attack in February 2001, which was allegedly caused by a family dispute.
Despite being the wife and mother of prominent politicians, Chinnamma has largely stayed out of the public limelight.
Gowda often publicly acknowledged her sacrifices, unwavering support and the crucial role she played in running the family while he continued his difficult political career.
Recalling his mother’s simple life and deep devotion to God, Kumaraswamy said his mother sacrificed her entire life for her husband and children. He said that the woman who was born in a small village was “light for hundreds of families.”
Recalling her suffering due to ill health, Kumaraswamy said that amidst her suffering, she cared for the people who came to meet her.
An emotional man told reporters here: “After being infected twice with the Coronavirus, she developed respiratory problems, which worsened four days ago. Despite the best efforts made by the doctors, God may have decided to call her again. She had to go when she had an acid attack. God saved her then, and he has called her again today.”
Her mortal remains have been taken to their residence at Padmanabhanagar here to pay their last respects, and after 11 am on Sunday, they will be taken to Hassan district, where his parents hail from, Kumaraswamy said. A decision on other rituals will be made at a later date.
The final rites are likely to take place near the Mavinakere Ranganathaswamy temple near their native village Haradanahalli, on Monday.
He added, “The place and time for holding the last rites will be determined on Monday after discussion.”
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and former CM Siddaramaiah visited Gowda’s residence and paid their last respects and offered condolences to his family.
The Prime Minister condoled Chennamma’s death, saying she was admired for her humility and passion for serving the community.
The Prime Minister also spoke to Deve Gowda and conveyed his sincere condolences, official sources said.
“I am deeply pained by the demise of Mrs. Chinnamma Ji, wife of former Prime Minister Shri Dev Gowda Ji. She was admired for her humility and passion towards serving the community. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with Shri Dev Gowda Ji and his entire family. Om Shanti,” Modi said in a post on ‘X’.
AICC President Mallikarjun Karge extended his condolences and noted that having shared warm personal relations with Gowda ji over the years, he is deeply saddened by this loss.
Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also offered her condolences on her death in a post on X.
“I am deeply saddened by the demise of Smt Chinnamma, wife of former Prime Minister Shri HD Deve Gowda Ji. Her strength was her constant presence through decades of public service,” he said.
Describing Chennamma as a motherly figure, Shivakumar said she was a deeply religious woman and a devoted mother who nurtured and guided a large family. Her hard work and sacrifices were instrumental in the political and personal rise of her husband Gowda, Kumaraswamy, Revanna and other members of the family.
“We were all hoping that she would recover and return home from the hospital. It is very sad that this hope was not fulfilled,” he said in a statement.
“It is often said that behind every successful man stands a woman. Chinnamma stood steadfastly behind Deve Gowda’s every success. She never lost her courage when her family members faced defeat nor was she overjoyed with victory. Through the ups and downs of politics, she remained his pillar of strength,” Shivakumar said.
Deputy CM G Parameshwara extended his condolences at ‘X’ and said Chennamma has been a constant pillar of strength throughout Gowda’s political journey and public life.
Siddaramaiah said he was part of the Janata Parivar, had a close relationship with the Gowda family and knew Chennamma personally.
“Chinnamma was a strong and resilient woman who never let the hardships and challenges she faced in life break her spirit. She faced every difficulty with courage. Amidst the ups and downs of Deve Gowda’s political journey, she nurtured and brought a large family together and served as an exemplary homemaker,” he said in a post on X.
He pointed out that despite being the wife of a former prime minister, Chinama remained humble, devoid of any air or pride, and treated everyone with warmth and affection. She lived a fulfilling life as an exemplary wife.
Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, R Ashoka, said the news of Chennamma’s death caused him deep grief.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, who visited the hospital to offer his condolences, said he was deeply saddened when he learned of Chennamma’s death.
“Throughout Shri Deve Gowda’s long political journey, with all its successes and failures, she stood by him as a constant source of support and was the guiding motherly force for the entire family. The demise of the simple and noble-hearted Chinnamma is a great loss to the entire Deve Gowda family,” he said in a post on X.
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In a statement, Karnataka BJP president P Vijayendra also expressed his condolences and said that Chennamma’s contribution to Gowda’s achievements in the political arena was significant.
