At 94, Deve Gowda defies age and ailments to stay at heart of politics

BENGALURU: Former prime minister HD Deve Gowda may undergo dialysis three times a week, move in a wheelchair, face recurring health complications and require constant medical monitoring. But at 94, he continues to maintain a public schedule that surprises even his close associates.

From travelling frequently between Bengaluru and Delhi to attending Parliament sessions, alliance meetings and public rallies, the JD(S) patriarch remains deeply involved in politics. At a time when most leaders of his generation have retired from active politics, Gowda’s memory remains sharp.

On his birthday Monday, prominent politicians across party lines, including PM Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah, recalled not only his long political journey but also his persistence in public life.

Associates say his determination often worries his family members and doctors. They note that his health is considered more stable than that of 83-year-old BJP veteran BS Yediyurappa, who also remains politically active. “Even after medical procedures, he wants updates on Parliament, party affairs and developments in Karnataka,” a senior JD(S) functionary said.

Born on May 18, 1933, at Haradanahalli village of Hassan district, Gowda comes from an agricultural family. He worked as a civil contractor before entering politics through cooperative institutions and becoming an MLA in 1962. Over the decades, he emerged as one of Karnataka’s most influential satraps, building a strong base among rural communities, especially in the Old Mysuru region.

His political identity remained tied to irrigation projects, agrarian concerns and grassroots mobilisation. Political analyst Vishwas Shetty said Gowda’s rise reflected the strength of regional leadership during the coalition era.

“He is not a leader manufactured by Delhi politics,” Shetty said. “He rose through districtlevel politics, direct public contact and organisational work.” Gowda became Karnataka CM in 1994, and PM in 1996 after a fractured mandate led to the formation of the United Front govt.

Though his tenure lasted less than a year, observers say he played a key role in shaping coalition politics. Many from the Janata Parivar also credit him for backing the women’s reservation bill long before it gained prominence recently.

However, controversies involving his grandsons Prajwal Revanna and Suraj Revanna have dented the image of the Gowda family and JD(S). Prajwal faced sexual abuse allegations ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, while Suraj was also embroiled in a separate controversy, putting the regional party under increasing political pressure. Despite the setbacks, Gowda managed to join the NDA alliance and ensured a Union cabinet berth for his son HD Kumaraswamy