Chennamma, Matriarch of the Deve Gowda Family, Dies in Bengaluru

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, visibly shaken, confirmed the news while reflecting on his mother’s influence on the family’s political trajectory. He described her as a woman of profound simplicity whose personal sacrifices provided the bedrock for his father’s rise to national prominence. The family plans to keep her remains in Bengaluru until Sunday afternoon, followed by a final journey to their ancestral village for cremation on Monday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national tributes, reaching out to former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda to offer personal condolences. He characterized Chennamma as a figure defined by her humility and quiet societal contributions. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed these sentiments, labeling her the "quiet strength" of the household, while Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara both highlighted her role as a pillar of courage throughout her husband’s decades-long public career.