"Pillar of strength": Siddaramaiah, Rahul Gandhi condole death of HD Deve Gowda's wife Chennamma
Bengaluru, July 19
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday visited the residence of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and paid his last respects to Gowda's wife, Chennamma, who passed away on Saturday due to illness at a private hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
The former Chief Minister visited HD Deve Gowda's residence onevening and paid his last respects to Chennamma.
He described her as a pillar of strength who stood by her family through every phase of life and politics.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Chennamma, the wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. As a member of the Janata Parivar, I shared a close bond with Deve Gowda's family and knew Chennamma intimately. Chennamma was a pillar of strength who faced the hardships and pains of life without faltering, confronting everything with courage. Amid the ups and downs of Deve Gowda's political journey, she shouldered the responsibilities of a large family and embodied the ideal homemaker," Siddaramaiah said in a post on X.
"Even as the consort of a former Prime Minister, Chennamma treated everyone with warmth and without any airs, living a full life as an exemplary wife. May the divine grant Deve Gowda, who has lost his long-time companion in these twilight years, the strength to bear this sorrow. My condolences to the Gowda family members. I share in their grief. May the departed soul attain eternal peace," the post added.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also condoled Chennamma's demise and expressed sympathies to HD Deve Gowda, HD Kumaraswamy and the bereaved family.
In a post on X, Gandhi said, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Smt Chennamma, wife of former Prime Minister Shri H.D. Deve Gowda ji. Her strength was an enduring presence through decades of public service."
"My heartfelt condolences to Deve Gowda ji, Kumaraswamy ji and the entire bereaved family," he added.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also condoled Chennamma's demise. In a post on X, he said, "The news of the passing of Smt. Chennamma ji, the wife of former Prime Minister, the esteemed Shri H. D. Deve Gowda ji, is extremely heartbreaking."
"I pray to God that the departed soul be granted a place at His holy feet and that the bereaved family be endowed with the strength and fortitude to bear this unbearable sorrow. Om Shanti," he added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While this is a sad moment for the family, it's refreshing to see political rivals like Siddaramaiah and Rahul Gandhi setting aside differences to offer condolences. This is the kind of dignified conduct we need more of in Indian politics - respecting the human side beyond party lines. Om Shanti.
An exemplary life indeed. Even being the wife of a former Prime Minister, she remained grounded and warm to everyone. That's the beauty of our Indian culture - no matter how high you rise, you stay connected to your roots. My heartfelt condolences to the Gowda family in this difficult time. 🌹
I appreciate that leaders from different parties - Congress, JDS, BJP - all came together to pay respects. This shows the human side of politics that often gets lost in our daily battles. Chennamma ji's life story of resilience and humility is an inspiration. Hope the family finds strength.
Beautiful words from Siddaramaiah ji - he knew her intimately and his tribute felt genuine. But I wish we as a society didn't just remember women primarily as 'pillars of strength' for their families. Chennamma ji was an individual with her own identity too. Still, a sad loss for Karnataka. Rest in peace, ma'am.
Having grown up in Karnataka, I remember how respected Deve Gowda family is in the old Mysuru region. Chennamma amma was known for her simplicity and warmth. This is a big personal loss for the Gowda family. May her soul attain sadgati. Om Shanti 🙏
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