HD Deve Gowda became the 11th Prime Minister of the country in June 1996. When he sat on the PM’s chair, he neither had a special identity nor hold in the politics of Delhi. In fact, in 1996, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government fell in just 13 days, all the veteran non-Congress-non-BJP leaders formed a United Front. This included parties like TDP, Samajwadi Party, DMK and CPI.
The United Front first approached the then Chief Minister of West Bengal, Jyoti Basu, who was known for his principles for the post of PM. Basu also agreed, but his party obstructed. Jyoti Basu was forced to refuse. Meanwhile, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Lalu also put forth their candidature, but there was no consensus on this.
Chandrababu Naidu put forward the name: Amidst all the uproar, TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu put forward the name of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Deve Gowda. In the political circles, Deve Gowda’s image was that of a very humble and self-assured leader. All the fanatics involved in the United Front and the Congress leaders supporting it from outside felt that even if Deve Gowda sits on the PM’s chair, there is no harm for him, only the reverse work can be done. However, Deve Gowda remained in the PM’s chair for only 10 months. He lost his chair in April 1997.
Businessmen came to narrate their problems: Deve Gowda was also known for his lethargic mood. He was often seen taking naps in meetings or in the House. When I came to Delhi, this habit also came with me. Senior journalist-writer Rashid Kidwai wrote one such interesting anecdote related to Deve Gowda in his book ‘Prime Minister of India’. He writes quoting the autobiography of DLF chairman KP Singh that once under his (KP Singh) leadership, all the veteran businessmen of the country came to meet PM Deve Gowda.
Deve Gowda was sleeping in the meeting: Actually, the industrialists wanted to make the PM aware of the deteriorating economic condition of the country and had made preparations. He kept on giving his presentation in front of the PM and when it was over, he came to know that Deve Gowda was not hearing anything, but was sleeping. As soon as the presentation was over, he woke up and said, ‘I am very happy that the economy of the country is doing well.’