BENGALURU: Former prime minister HD Deve Gowda may undergo dialysis three times a week, use a wheelchair, face recurring health complications, and require constant medical monitoring. Yet at 94, he continues to maintain a public schedule that surprises even his closest associates.
From traveling frequently between Bengaluru and Delhi to attending Parliament sessions, alliance meetings, and public rallies, the JD(S) patriarch remains deeply involved in politics. At a time when most leaders of his generation have retired from active political life, Gowda's memory remains remarkably sharp.
Political Leaders Pay Tribute
On his birthday Monday, prominent politicians across party lines, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, recalled not only his long political journey but also his persistence in public life. Associates say his determination often worries his family members and doctors.
Health Compared to Peers
They note that his health is considered more stable than that of 83-year-old BJP veteran BS Yediyurappa, who also remains politically active. A senior JD(S) functionary said, 'Even after medical procedures, he wants updates on Parliament, party affairs, and developments in Karnataka.'
Early Life and Political Rise
Born on May 18, 1933, in Haradanahalli village of Hassan district, Gowda comes from an agricultural family. He worked as a civil contractor before entering politics through cooperative institutions and becoming an MLA in 1962. Over the decades, he emerged as one of Karnataka's most influential satraps, building a strong base among rural communities, especially in the Old Mysuru region. His political identity remained tied to irrigation projects, agrarian concerns, and grassroots mobilization.
Political analyst Vishwas Shetty said Gowda's rise reflected the strength of regional leadership during the coalition era. 'He is not a leader manufactured by Delhi politics,' Shetty said. 'He rose through district-level politics, direct public contact, and organizational work.'
Tenure as Chief Minister and Prime Minister
Gowda became Karnataka Chief Minister in 1994 and Prime Minister in 1996 after a fractured mandate led to the formation of the United Front government. Though his tenure lasted less than a year, observers say he played a key role in shaping coalition politics. Many from the Janata Parivar also credit him for backing the women's reservation bill long before it gained prominence recently.
Family Controversies
However, controversies involving his grandsons Prajwal Revanna and Suraj Revanna have dented the image of the Gowda family and JD(S). Prajwal faced sexual abuse allegations ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, while Suraj was also embroiled in a separate controversy, putting the regional party under increasing political pressure. Despite the setbacks, Gowda managed to join the NDA alliance and ensured a Union cabinet berth for his son HD Kumaraswamy.
