Chennamma Deve Gowda, Wife of Former PM H.D. Deve Gowda, Passes Away at 86
Chennamma Deve Gowda, the wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, died on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at a private hospital in Bengaluru. She was 86.
She was admitted to Manipal Hospital on Wednesday night, July 16, with breathing difficulties, chest congestion, and other age-related complications. According to a hospital statement, she suffered a massive cardiac arrest at 4 p.m. on Saturday, despite earlier signs of recovery.
Chennamma was born in 1940 in the Hassan district of Karnataka. She married H.D. Deve Gowda in 1959 and was a homemaker throughout his political career. She is survived by her husband, four sons, and two daughters. Her eldest son, H.D. Revanna, is a former minister, and another son, H.D. Kumaraswamy, is a former chief minister of Karnataka and currently a member of the Lok Sabha.
Condolences have poured in from political leaders across party lines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief, saying, “My heartfelt condolences to Shri H.D. Deve Gowda ji and his family on the passing of Mrs. Chennamma. She was a pillar of strength for the family. May her soul rest in peace.” Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also paid tribute, recalling her simplicity and grace.
Chennamma’s funeral is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at the family farm in Chennapatna. The Karnataka government has announced a day of mourning and a state funeral.
