Chennamma Deve Gowda to be laid to rest today; Union Mins, CM Shivakumar to attend funeral
Bengaluru, July 20
Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda's wife, Chennamma Deve Gowda, will be laid to rest on Monday with full traditional rites at the foothills of the Bettada Ranganathaswamy Temple near Haradanahalli in Hassan district, Karnataka.
Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Pralhad Joshi, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and several prominent leaders from across the state are expected to attend the funeral.
Her mortal remains, which arrived at H.D. Revanna's residence in Holenarasipura town, have drawn thousands of mourners, including political leaders, party workers and members of the public, who have gathered to pay their final respects.
Addressing reporters, former minister and JD(S) MLA H.D. Revanna recalled Chennamma's generosity and service to people over several decades. He said she always ensured that visitors to the Deve Gowda household were served food and took special care of students from nearby villages who stayed at their residence during the 1960s.
"She made sure everyone who came to our house had food. She also gifted sarees to women visitors. We have lost a goddess," Revanna said, becoming emotional while speaking about her life and contributions.
He added that Chennamma never spoke ill of anyone and spent much of her later years at his sister's residence. Recalling a painful episode from the family's past, Revanna said an acid attack had originally been intended for him and his wife, Bhavani, but Chennamma suffered the injuries instead and lived with the consequences for 26 years.
He further stated that the funeral procession will be taken from Holenarasipura to the Lakshminarasimha Temple area, where his father, Deve Gowda, once lived in a rented house for Rs 10 a month. Sacred water from the temple will be sprinkled on her mortal remains before the procession returns to Holenarasipura by 12.30 p.m. for the final rituals.
Revanna said arrangements have been made to accommodate nearly 50,000 people. The last rites are scheduled to commence at 2 p.m. and continue until 4 p.m., in accordance with Vokkaliga community traditions.
Several prominent leaders are expected to attend the funeral. According to the office of Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Pralhad Joshi will be present to pay their last respects to Chennamma Deve Gowda.
Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda's wife Chennamma passed away following a cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Saturday (July 18, 2026).
She had been admitted to a hospital in Bengaluru on Wednesday night (July 16) with breathing complications, chest congestion and other age-related complications. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent national leaders have expressed grief over the demise of Chennamma Deve Gowda.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The fact that she used to give sarees to women visitors and took care of students in the 1960s shows the kind of generous soul she was. These political families often get criticized, but behind every leader is a family that sacrifices so much for public life. May her soul rest in peace.
Condolences from Bangalore. It's good to see leaders from different parties coming together to pay respects—Shivraj Chouhan, Pralhad Joshi, and CM Shivakumar all attending. Politics aside, this is a moment of shared humanity. Chennamma's story of being a victim of that acid attack is truly heartbreaking.
Reading how she lived for 26 years with the consequences of an acid attack meant for her son-in-law... that's unimaginable strength. And yet she spent her later years at her sister's residence, away from the political limelight. A truly humble life. Rest in peace, Chennamma ma'am.
The description of the funeral procession—going to the temple where her husband once lived on Rs 10 rent—is so poignant. It reminds us that even former PMs come from humble beginnings. Chennamma's life was a testament to grace under pressure. My condolences to the grieving family.
I just wish the media and politicians would show this kind of humanity more often in life, not just at funerals. But truly, Chennamma ji's story of resilience is inspiring. The arrangements for 50,000 people show the respect she commanded. Om Shanti. 🕯️
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