Veteran Karnataka politician and former minister DB Chandre Gowda, who had vacated his Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha seat so that Indira Gandhi could contest and re-enter Parliament following the Emergency in 1978, passed away on Tuesday due to age-related ailments. Gowda, who also served as Assembly Speaker, passed away at his residence in Daradahalli in Mudigere taluk, PTI reported.
The 87-year-old leader, who has a political career spanning over five decades in different parties, is survived by his wife BS Poorna and four daughters. The last rites will be performed at his native Daradahalli on Wednesday, sources close to Gowda's family told PTI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, paying tribute to Gowda, called him a "stalwart of public service". "Anguished by the passing away of Shri DB Chandregowda Ji. A stalwart of public service, his extensive experience as MP, MLA, and Minister in Karnataka has left an indelible mark. His deep understanding of our Constitution and commitment to community service were noteworthy. My heartfelt condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti," PM Modi posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Gowda was an advocate by profession before taking the political plunge in 1971. He holds the distinction of being elected to all four Houses of the legislature in the country. He also served as Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from 1983 to 1985.
The veteran politician has also been part of various political parties such as Praja Socialist Party, Karnataka Kranti Ranga, Janata Party, Congress and BJP.
The Chikkamagaluru constituency became his bastion after he won from the Lok Sabha seat twice in 1971 and 1977 on a Congress ticket.
In 1978, he resigned as member of Lok Sabha so that former PM Indira Gandhi could contest from Chikkamagaluru, considered a safe seat for Congress, and re-enter parliament in 1978.
From 1978 to 1983, Gowda served in the Karnataka Legislative Council and went on to become a minister in Devaraj Urs cabinet. Years later, he resigned from Congress along with Urs to join Karnataka Kranti Ranga.
The three-term MLA represented the Janata Party from Thirthahalli constituency twice and Congress from Sringeri consultancy. He was made the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister in SM Krishna government.
He was sent to the Rajya Sabha by the Janata Dal in 1986 and served as an MP till 1989. In 2009, he contested from Bangalore North Lok Sabha seat on a BJP ticket and won.