Hearts melt as arch political rivals prefer human relationships and compassion over politics

Published 19 July 2026 · politics

The death of octogenarian Chennamma Deve Gowda, wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, which has plunged her family and supporters into grief, also

The death of octogenarian Chennamma Deve Gowda, wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, which has plunged her family and supporters into grief, also witnessed compassion and human relations gaining importance over politics among Karnataka’s prominent politicians as arch political rivals rushed to the residence of Mr. Gowda to console him. Just when the political environment in Karnataka appeared to be getting acrimonious, the arch political rivals called on Mr. Gowda to console the nonagenarian, who looked emotionally devastated after losing his wife, who had spent over seven decades with him. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who had worked with Mr. Gowda during his stint with the Janata Parivar, is one of the strong political opponents of Mr. Gowda and the Janata Dal (S) led by him. But Mr. Siddaramaiah did not lose any time in rushing to the residence of Mr. Gowda soon after the news broke that Ms. Chennamma had died.

The way Mr. Siddaramaiah consoled Mr. Gowda melted the hearts of those present at the scene as he wiped Mr. Gowda’s tears and held his hands while gently consoling him. Before visiting Mr. Gowda, he took to social media, where he showered praises on Ms. Chennamma, whom he knew personally while in the Janata Parivar. Siddaramaiah was accompanied by former Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy. He too is often seen attacking Mr. Gowda’s son and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. Cheluvarayaswamy put his arms around the shoulder of Mr. Gowda’s son, H.D. Revanna, while consoling him. What drew everyone’s attention was that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who is currently involved in a political crossfire over the contentious Bidadi Township project, called on Mr. Gowda along with his wife and relative — Prema Krishna, wife of former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna — to console him.

The Shivakumar family went to Mr. Gowda’s residence in a private vehicle without any protocol. Mr. Shivakumar not only sat with Mr. Gowda for some time to lend him some emotional support, but also touched his feet as a mark of respect. Hailing Ms. Chennamma as one whom he would see as his own mother, he even announced that her last rites would be performed with state honours. Union Minister C.M. Ibrahim and former Minister Zameer Ahmed, both of whom have politically moved away from Mr. Gowda, too rushed to his residence and provided emotional support. In fact, Mr. Ibrahim stated that the personality and character of Ms. Chennamma, who treated everyone fondly as her own children and maintained a low profile, had endeared her to everyone. Several political leaders observed that it was a tribute to the personality of Mr. Gowda, who is credited with either directly or indirectly mentoring a large number of politicians.