Former Prime Minister’s wife passes away at the age of 89

New Delhi: Chennamma, wife of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at a private hospital in Bengaluru. She suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at 4 p.m. on Saturday. She had previously experienced breathing problems on Wednesday, July 16th, chest congestion, and other age-related issues. She was admitted to Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru.

A statement issued by the hospital stated, “We are saddened to inform you that Mrs. Chennamma’s condition was initially improving. She suffered a massive cardiac arrest at 4 p.m. today. She was admitted to Manipal Hospital on Old Airport Road in Bengaluru late Wednesday night and was kept in the ICU. During an examination on Saturday, she was found to be motionless, after which she was declared dead.”

Chennamma was married to Deve Gowda in 1954
Gowda, his son and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, and other family members were present at the hospital. Chennamma survived an acid attack in February 2001, which was sparked by a family dispute. She married Gowda in 1954. They had four sons and two daughters.

These include Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and MLA HD Revanna, who represents the Holenarasipur constituency in Hassan district. Despite being the wife and mother of prominent politicians, Chennamma remained out of the limelight. Gowda often publicly acknowledged her sacrifice, unwavering support, and her crucial role in managing the family, even as he engaged in his own busy political life. Her son, Kumaraswamy, has often said that his mother’s values ​​have guided him in his political journey.