Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda’s wife Chennamma died on Saturday at the age of 85. He was admitted to Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru due to breathing problems; She was in the ICU since July 15 and was undergoing treatment under the supervision of specialist doctors. Dr. Satyanarayana was treating him, but despite continuous treatment, there was no improvement in his condition and finally he breathed his last.
After Chennamma’s demise, dignitaries and relatives have been reaching Manipal Hospital to pay tribute to her. Police security has been increased near the hospital as a precautionary measure in view of the possibility of arrival of JD(S) workers. Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh visited the hospital to take stock of the security arrangements.
**Married Deve Gowda in 1954**
Chennamma, a resident of Hirehalli in Muttij area of Hassan taluk, was married on 25 May 1954 to H.D. It was from Deve Gowda. The couple had four sons and two daughters: H.D. Revanna, H.D. Balakrishna, H.D. Ramesh Gowda, H.D. Kumaraswamy, Shailaja and Anusuya. Chennamma was the fulcrum of Deve Gowda’s political career; She played the role of a strong wife by handling the household and family matters, relieving Deve Gowda, who was deeply immersed in politics, of the burden of family responsibilities. Along with raising six children, she was an ideal housewife and also took responsibility for the children’s education.
**Acid attack on Chennamma**
In February 2001, Chennamma was attacked with acid while returning from worship at a temple in Hardanahalli. She suffered serious injuries in this incident, but recovered after treatment. Chennamma had completed her SSLC studies before the incident. Being the eldest daughter of the family, she played an important role in raising her four younger brothers and three younger sisters.
