Former PM Deve Gowda's wife Chennamma dies at 89; state honours announced

Chennamma Deve Gowda, wife of former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda, passed away at 89 following a cardiac arrest. She had been hospitalized for a respiratory ailment.

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We regret to inform that Mrs Chennamma suffered a massive cardiac arrest despite being on the road to recovery today at 4 pm.

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that the state government would grant full state honors for Chennamma, acknowledging her status as the wife of a former prime minister and mother to a current central minister. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and other prominent figures offered their condolences.

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Mrs Chennamma suffered a massive cardiac arrest despite being on the road to recovery today at 4 pm.

Chennamma, who married Deve Gowda in 1954, largely stayed out of the public eye despite her husband's and son H. D. Kumaraswamy's political careers. Her husband often spoke of her sacrifices and support. Kumaraswamy described his mother as a woman of simple life and deep devotion, who sacrificed her life for her family and was a "light to lakhs of families."

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We regret to inform that Mrs Chennamma suffered a massive cardiac arrest despite being on the road to recovery today at 4 pm.

Kumaraswamy recalled his mother's resilience, noting she survived an acid attack in 2001. He became emotional discussing her recent health struggles, including COVID-19 complications that led to respiratory issues, and expressed that "God probably decided to call her back." Her remains will be taken to her residence for public viewing before being transported to Hassan district for final rites, expected on Monday.

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Despite the best efforts by doctors, God probably decided to call her back.