Prime Ministers of India

H D Deve Gowda

Early life and living of H D Deve Gowda

Deve Gowda was born in a middle class Indian agriculture family and faced a tough life throughout, but eventually he came up to a high post with his devotion and hard work. Deve Gowda being born in a family with limited amenities was aware of the hardships faced by an agriculturist. He was active in politics since early days of his life. He joined Indian National Congress in 1953 and was a member till 1977 when the party was split and thus joined the Cong (O) as a primary member. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly continually for 6 six times. He was an active member of the local bodies in Hassan, Karnataka both as a member, president of the society and other august bodies he was representing.

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Subsequent to the formation of Janata Dal, Deve Gowda joined Janata Dal party and was a member of the opposition from 1972 to 1977. He was the President of the local Janata Dal for two times where he worked for party’s development in the State of Karnataka. Janata Party which came to power in Karnataka was headed by Dr. Ramakrishna Hegde, the then Chief Minister and Deve Gowda served under his ministry as a minister. He occupied the high office of the Prime Minister of India from 1st June 1996 to 11th April 1977 and was known as sleeping Gowda due to his habit of having a nap during meetings and official functions.

He held the office of the member of Karnataka Legislative assembly for seven times and also held the office of leader of opposition from 1972 to 1976 in Karnataka Legislative assembly. From 1983-88, he was a minister in Karnataka Ministry and was a member of the Joint Parliamentary committee from 1991-94. Later from 1994-96, he held the office of the Chief Minister of Karnataka and then on from 1996-97, became the Prime Minister of India. He was also the National President of the Janata Dal (Secular) and during August 2009, became a member of the committee of Defence.

It was in 1999 that many top leaders of Janata Dal (secular) which was originally formed by Jayaprakash Narayan joined hands with BJP, though some leaders including Madhu Dandavate supported Deve Gowda and remained in Janata Dal. He was the president of Janata Dal and had a sluggish career for a short period. However, Karnataka saw the Janata Dal (secular) securing over 83 seats in 2004 elections, thus he made his son H D Kumara Swamy as the Chief Minister with the coalition of BJP. However, the subsequent election saw the party losing in the Karnataka with Congress gaining powers to the Assembly.

An honest and sincere servant of the nation, Mr. Deve Gowda, has four sons and two daughters. He holds high respect and dignity in his community and surroundings and in the nation.

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